Overstocked and Understaffed

The Orange Salvation Army store is desperate to hear from people interested in becoming a volunteer in their store. The store is full to the brim with generous donations, but they are now in need of volunteers to help them deal with the day to day operations.

Whether it's a few hours or a few days each week, any help you can give will make all the difference to our hard-working Salvation Army store.

Jenny Agland has been volunteering in the store for an impressive 36 years, “I was with them when we were in McNamara Lane. I always wanted to help people who were less fortunate and needed a hand so that’s why I started volunteering, it’s good company as well.”

“We’ve had many changes over the years, once upon a time we never accepted furniture, now we have branched out that is quite a common donation to receive.”

“I do enjoy out the back and the service desk but I don’t have favourites, I’m an allrounder, a Jill of all trades and a master of none,” Jenny laughed.

“I guess because I’ve been here so long you get into a routine, and I try to get others into a routine. It’s what you make it, its not a job, we’re a family. Some people here were like me they came in one day and stayed for over 20 years, that’s not an uncommon thing.”

Store Manager, Col Barnes said, “Every day we get dozens of people coming through with clothes and books, furniture even. Unfortunately, we’ve had to say, ‘sorry we can’t take your donations at the moment’, until we can get through what we have out the back and get it to the service area.”

“We are looking for people who can work a few days a week, who have a bit of flare about them, whether it be Artistic skills, to dress the place up, or someone who’s interested in reading and can look after the book section. Just something that they love doing.”

With a wide range of activities to busy yourself with; including processing and receiving, front desk, administration and many more, pop into the store and leave your name and phone number with the volunteers on the front desk, they know what to do! C’mon Orange, make a positive impact in your community, gain new skills and experience, and be a part of a fun team/family!