Donations pour in to city's Salvation Army

Donations have been pouring into The Salvation Army after last week’s devastating Scott Street fire which claimed a man's life.

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The church and charity took on a recovery role from PKC and the city’s Salutation Hotel following the fire.

Its South Street offices are just a few hundred yards from the scene of Saturday, June 14 blaze.

Around 40 people were evacuated to the hotel which was being used as a drop-off point for donations before The Salvation Army offered to step in.

Majors Miriam and David Wing, who lead the organisation in Perth, have been working with volunteers to sort through hundreds of items of clothing, shoes, toiletries, books and even pet products donated by Perth residents.

Miriam said: "This tragic incident has shocked the community, and our prayers are with the families of those affected by the fire.

"However, the way the people of Perth have responded has been nothing short of amazing.

"Donations started coming in immediately following the fire.

These initially went to the Salutation Hotel, which really stepped up to help.

"We offered the council our premises to allow the hotel to get back to normal, plus we have two charity shops in Perth where donations can be stored—one at our South Street church plus the large furniture and clothes store on Glasgow Road."

David added:"Naturally the focus has been on people's welfare, but pets can be overlooked in a crisis.

"The residents of Perth have been thinking hard about what might be required and items for dogs and cats have been included in donations such as food bowls, baskets and beds, even pet food.

The response has been incredible."

The Salvation Army is also planning ahead when those evacuated are rehoused and larger items of furniture and household goods will be needed.

It is asking for donations of unwanted beds, bedding and furniture and its staff are happy to collect from homes in Perthshire.