Well-meaning residents had seemingly dropped items on the footpath to be donated as both the donation bins were full, ABC News reports.
Regional business manager for Lifeline in central Queensland Belinda Bath said the scenario was an all-too-common sight across many stores and for other charities.
“At this time of the year I guess it is at its peak, due to people relocating, having clean-outs and school holidays, but we do experience it all year round,” Ms Bath said.
She said the biggest issue for the organisation was the money and time it spent cleaning up goods that often needed to be thrown out.
“Ultimately, it’s time not spent focusing on our shop,” Ms Bath said.
“Things that are left outside of the bins are normally classed as contaminated, due to the weather and people going through it.
“We’d love for people to know that there is no reason for them to leave the goods outside the bins if they are full because we accept donations of the goods directly in our shops during operating hours.”
Ms Bath said at some sites there was also an option for people to drive in and have someone assist in unloading and sorting donation items, while there was pick up for larger items like furniture.
St Vincent de Paul Society’s Rockhampton retail operations manager Gina Dann said it was a similar problem for the organisation’s stores.
“At this time of year we are struggling with volunteer numbers, and with COVID restrictions,” Ms Dann said.
She said when donations were up and running again, there were some things to keep in mind.
“We have a saying at Vinnies that if you wouldn’t give it to a friend, please don’t give it to us.”
FULL STORY
Donation influx and volunteer shortage place pressure on charity shops (ABC News)
PHOTO
Lifeline and other charity shops say they spend a lot of time and money cleaning up donations ruined by the weather.(Supplied: Jill Fry)