Don't take unwanted items to Salvation Army op-shops - there might not be any volunteers there to sort it out.
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Salvos stores in Norman Street, Wendouree, and Creswick Road near the CBD have closed in light of the current pandemic crisis, to protect volunteers.
Salvation Army Delacombe's Major Craig Farrell said it was a difficult decision to make.
"The shops do a lot for the community and vulnerable people," he said.
"We have put a stop to donations - it's closed, and there's no volunteers to sort it out."
Not every op-shop in town has closed, and Major Farrell said people should check before dropping items off.
He added the charity's community services had seen an increase in requests.
"We're expecting that to potentially grow the longer this crisis continues," he said.
"We're also trying to look after the people we know who about who are vulnerable and trying to deliver packs - we're looking at how can we creatively still provide assistance to people.
"We've got a drive-through service if you like, at 102 Eureka Street in Ballarat, that helps people out with food and other things - we're still operating, ring up for an appointment, you'll still be seen, just not face-to-face."
Major Farrell said while physical donations would not be welcomed until after the crisis subsides, financial donations were needed to keep services going.
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