F Wakefield was upset by seeing broken-up furniture in a skip, and felt it could have been given to the council or a charity (Throwaway world, Letters, October 6). It probably could, if it was in reasonable condition.

The Community Furniture Store, based at the Raylor Centre in James Street, York, seeks donations of re-useable furniture, and resells it at low cost to households on low incomes. The store, originally set up by York CVS in1988, has been an independent charity since 2000. A second store was opened at Ousegate, Selby in 2004.

Each year, we divert many tonnes of furniture from landfill, contributing very significantly to recycling and waste reduction, and helping households with limited resources at the same time.

We also now sell to the general public, at somewhat higher prices, to help meet the running costs of the stores.

We have had to move at short notice while our landlord improves the exterior of our York premises. We accelerated our plans to upgrade the interior by the installation of a mezzanine floor, stairs and a lift, to increase our display and storage areas, and create furniture repair workshops.

We need to raise about £70,000 before Christmas, to carry out some of the work before we move back. To help our fundraising, or donate good quality furniture, please phone the manager, Keith Hicks, on 01904 426444 Ros Batchelor, Chair, York & Selby Community Furniture Stores.