Vinnies Queensland is asking Sunshine Coast residents to temporarily hold on to their donations to its retail shops.
This is due to a pandemic volunteer shortage has left the op-shop struggling to keep up with the community’s generosity.
Regional Retail Operations Manager Linda De Blasio said Vinnies Shops across the region, as well of the rest of the state, were facing volunteer shortages as many were required to isolate due to the current Omicron outbreak.
“We are always so grateful for quality donations to our shops, and are overwhelmed by the generosity of locals donating their unwanted clothes and household items to support Vinnies,” she said.
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“Unfortunately, with a significant amount of our volunteers home sick or isolating due to COVID-19, we now mean overwhelmed quite literally.
“We’re asking if Sunshine Coast locals can consider storing their donations for the next two weeks to help us catch up.
“We are still accepting quality donations but a bit of breathing room until our volunteers can return would be very appreciated!”
Linda said at this time it was especially important to ensure donations are in good quality and not damaged or stained.
“We really do appreciate donations but please, if it’s damaged, torn or stained, please do not donate it,” she said.
“If you wouldn’t give it to a friend, don’t give it to Vinnies.
“Also, a friendly reminder if a donation bin is full, please don’t dump out the front – in-person donations at our Shops is preferred.”
Linda said Vinnies always welcomed new volunteers to assist in the shops to help sort donations or work at the registers.
“The donations we receive and sell help to fund our ongoing support for people experiencing poverty or homelessness throughout the Sunshine Coast, but we can’t do it without the help of volunteers,” she said.
If you’re interested in volunteering with Vinnies, contact volunteering@svdpqld.org.au
