About us
The West Coast Furniture Bank SCIO was established in 2007 in Ayrshire. Our mission is to assist those in need with essential household items. We primarily collect usable items that are being discarded, store them, and then distribute them at no cost to individuals who are unable to afford these necessities.
Our daily operations rely heavily on the dedication of our unpaid volunteers and donors. We are immensely grateful for their contributions and our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone involved!
Our activities are predominantly based in Ayrshire, where most of our contacts and partners are situated. However, we are willing to venture beyond, such as to Glasgow, to gather furniture. We currently take referrals from over 40 partner agencies.
We mostly aim to provide
- Lounge: Suites, Armchairs, Coffee Tables, Bookcases.
- Bedroom: Single and Double Beds and Mattresses, Wardrobes, Chests of Drawers and clean Bedding.
- Kitchen: Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines, Cookers.
- General: Curtains, Pots and Pans, Crockery, Towels, Rugs.
Initially, we utilized lock-up garages for storage, but we now have a spacious unit in Stevenston, generously offered to us free of charge. We collaborate with organizations such as:
- Local Authorities
- the NHS
- Women's Aid
- the DWP
- Housing Associations
- Other Charities
...who notify us about clients in need of household items. Our "clients" hail from diverse backgrounds. Many were recently homeless and have now received housing yet lack the means to furnish it. Some have fallen victim to unforeseen events, while others are experiencing financial hardship and require assistance.
Our service provides items to people free of charge inside our caption area and delivers them at no cost. We ask for fuel cost donations for delivery out with North Ayrshire. We express our gratitude to friends and contacts who donate items they no longer need but are still in usable condition. The primary expenses we incur are for fuel and maintenance for our delivery vehicles and for essential wages.
West Coast Furniture Bank SCIO has been a registered charity since 2019. (SCIO SC049372)