The Vinnies Seymour store in Wallis St is trading as usual from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday, but will only accept donations of clothing and goods from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 11 am.
“Please adhere to these hours as we have limited space and staff due to the pandemic. We welcome your kind donations but must observe these times closely,” St Vincent de Paul Seymour Conference president Bill Keating said.
“The restrictions have required the SVDP Conference members to cease their monthly meetings and to cease their attendance at the Assistance Centre on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Our members miss the personal interaction with those in need of material and social support as we often have much to learn from the disadvantaged, particularly the unique challenges they and their families face in everyday life.
“Anyone needing urgent assistance from Vinnies can ring the Box Hill call centre on 1800 305 330 and their number will be passed to us to give any assistance available.
“Times are tough, but we are still available to help those in need at any time.”
Seymour Salvation Army Captain Heather Stamp said the Salvos team had had to rethink everything they did to adhere to new restrictions.
“We have gone from a sit-down community meal averaging 65 meals to doing takeaways and some deliveries to 130 meals,” she said.
“We have an online church instead of a church service on Sundays at 10 am. It can be viewed at seymour.online.church
“Our Mainly Music program has had to be cancelled along with our soup night. Which makes it harder for the many people struggling with loneliness because of the restrictions.
“The Salvos thrift store remains open from 10 am to 2 pm weekdays. We will accept donations on Tuesdays only.
“A big thank you to all those who donated to the Red Shield Appeal. All the money raised this year stays in Seymour to help fund our community activities.
“Thank you also to those who have kindly donated food, plastic containers, fridges, their time and money to help keep our community meals happening.
“And a big shout out to our wonderful volunteers; they have been outstanding.”
Anyone needing assistance from the Salvos can call SalvoCare Seymour on 5799 2583.
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