Louise Hoather is hoping Santa has received her letter and its plea for more toys and more volunteers for the SPCA charity shops this Christmas.
As area manager, she says now is a good time to donate toys so they can then be sold as presents for Christmas at a time many families are watching their dollars.
But she would also like more volunteers in the shops.
“Many of our volunteers are older and on super (pension) and many are getting part-time work,” she says.
“Our volunteers are maybe looking after grandchildren too. Volunteers are the thing we need the most.”
The busiest time of year in the shops is now through to Easter, especially during the holiday period when visitors to the region do the op-shop circuit.
“We have shifts where we don’t have any volunteers. Whoever is working on duty, bless them, they do it themselves and that can be challenging.”
Louise says volunteers do not need to work in the shop with customers, as there are numerous other jobs to be done around the shop.
“We’ve got some volunteers who just love cleaning and keep the shop spic and span and we have some who are incredibly visual designers. We have some who sort the CDs and books and some who are general allrounders. Some specialise in clothes. We are very lucky we have volunteers who come in maybe three shifts a week.
“The motivation for volunteering ranges from people who are new to the area and it is a great way to make connections with your local community,” Louise adds.
“For others, it’s the ethos of upcycling and recycling and environmental sustainability. Or they love the SPCA and their primary cause is animal welfare. Sometimes, it is because they are lonely. We are so blessed with our volunteers. I’m hoping Santa got my letter – I want toys and volunteers!”
SPCA is not the only charity nudging people to get toys in now for Christmas. The Salvation Army’s corps officer for the area, Karl Foreman, says donations of toys and games are especially appreciated.
“Now is also the time to bring them in, as there is limited time in the last few days before Christmas to make sure they go to families who would love them.”
He says shopping at the family stores helps people in need, which is more important than ever when so many people are doing it tough amid the cost-of-living crisis.
