Can you help Kirkcaldy charity shop?

The British Heart Foundation charity shop at the corner of Kirk Wynd and the High Street is desperately needing more people to help.

And it could be the first step on a rewarding path for people who are considering where to go on their career path.

“It’s great for your CV if you are a young person just starting out, and it’s also great for retired people who are looking for something to fill their spare time with,” said Tanya Slessor, the shop’s assistant manageress.

“I started off as a volunteer in the shop in Fraserburgh and moved down here when they closed that shop. I just love my job.”

At present the Kirkcaldy shop has 11 volunteers, but Tanya says they could do with three times as many!

“We have all sorts of people volunteering from people with additional needs who often start coming along with their carers through to retired people who enjoy the social side of the work.

“It is a great way to help boost the confidence of people who are maybe quite shy and we have seen lots of people come along who start off very shy and you just see them coming out of their shells and blossoming.”

The job is varied and can include sorting out goods from donations handed in; steam cleaning clothes; serving customers; stocking the shop and working on the till. The shop also needs drivers to go and pick up donations, which the shop is happy to do for everything from bulky goods and electrical items to bags of bric-a-brac and books.

“Anyone who is interested in volunteering or who would like to find out more can just pop in and speak to me or pick up a form at any time,” said Tanya.