With stores in Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera, the Murrumbidgee stores raise funds for people who are experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence and poverty through the sale of donated items.

As part of Vinnies' commitment to meeting the need of locals experiencing hardship, Vinnies members in the Murrumbidgee Regional Council provided $71,500 in financial and material aid to 418 locals, including $56,500 in food vouchers and parcels in the last year alone.

Murrumbidgee Area Manager Michele Storrier said volunteering was a meaningful way to give back to the community.

"We have many wonderful volunteers already but we do need more," Mrs Storrier said.

"It's a positive way to give back to the community and the volunteers we do have absolutely love giving their time this way."

Volunteering requires people to donate a few hours of their time each week to help with roles including customer service, sorting donations and maintaining the day-to-day running of the shop.

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According to Mrs Storrier, whilst it was great to see an influx in donations made by generous community members, the high numbers of donations stretched current volunteers paper thin.

"People come into browse and don't realise the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to get the shop looking like it is," Mrs Storrier said.

"Volunteer as much or as little time as you like, anyone is welcome."

Individuals who are strong enough to assist in transporting and carrying heavier donation bags and items are in particular need.

"We need fit individuals who are able to assist us lift and move items around the store," Mrs Storrier said.

"Our current volunteers are doing an absolutely fabulous job but we are in desperate need of volunteers to staff the store and help us sort through the growing piles of donations we are receiving and will continue to receive through the festive season."

Vinnies is currently adhering to the public health orders requiring all volunteers, staff and customers entering its shops to be fully vaccinated, wear a mask and check in using a QR code.

To learn more about volunteering with Vinnies, contact (02) 9350 9600 or visit www.vinnies.org.au/shopvolunteernsw.

To seek assistance from Vinnies, contact 13 18 12.

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