By Renee Wood
As the demand for winter items increases, the Salvation Army is putting out the call to Yarra Ranges residents asking for winter donations to fill Salvos Stores.
Regional Manager Leigh Murphy said a combination of a rise in demand and less winter donations last year has led to this.
“It’s really at the point now where we’re out of stock in our Victorian warehouse for winter stock,” he said.
As the cooler weather dips to below zero in the Yarra Valley and the rising cost of living takes hold, the demand for budget friendly winter items is prevalent.
“Certainly we’re seeing more customers in different circumstances from a personal perspective needing us more and more, so I guess with that becomes a need for all types of items that we sell in our stores,” he said.
Salvos Stores are currently offering customer who donate winter goods a 20 per cent voucher which can be used for their next purchase in a bid to bring in more goods.
“We’ve had some cold mornings and cool days still, so we’ve still got a way to go with winter so we really need more winter stock coming through.”
The Salvos Stores are the Salvation Army’s main fundraising drive which helps to deliver support for many Australians across the country.
“Everything we do in regards to our stores really goes into support those programs within the Salvation Army such as for homelessness, domestic violence, alcohol, drug abuse, so it is a major contributor for the Salvation Army broadly to do what they do in the community.”
Donations are needed across all categories – womens, mens and kids.
“Clothing is the major one that we need…but certainly jackets, coats, beanies, scarves and manchester like blankets in good condition – certainly anything goes a long way for what is needed.”
“We’re out of out of stock in our warehouse, unfortunately, of all of all those categories. We’re really reliant now on donations locally for store levels to help us get through the next couple of months and this cooler weather.”
The discount voucher is available to those who donate in store until 30 July.
