News
19 November, 2024
Pressure on for Xmas
The Caboolture Salvation Army team says it has seen a huge increase in families seeking support over Christmas this year, with volunteers saying dozens more families have reached out this month compared to the same time last year.
The huge rise in demand comes as North Lakes Salvos officially opened its doors last week, a fortnight before the Caboolture Salvation Army Family Store is set to close temporarily while seeking a new location.
The store, located on Grout Street, will officially close on November 28.
However, the Caboolture Salvation Army Church, located on the corner of Lower King Street and Dux Street, remains open.
Organisers are seeking community and volunteer support to help with Christmas hampers and toy drives.
Caboolture Corps Officer, Captain Danielle Cook, said the church is seeking new toys and non-perishable goods for hampers and toy drives.
They are also seeking volunteers to help pack hampers, sort toys, and connect with the community.
“We’ve seen a big increase in families seeking out support for Christmas this year, especially for toys,” she said.
“We’re only in November and have already had an increase of 100 families making contact compared to this time last year.”
The Salvation Army will continue servicing the Caboolture area despite the Family Store closure, through the church’s activities and stores at Morayfield, Burpengary, and North Lakes.
Ms. Cook emphasised that the church on King Street “is in no way leaving.”
“We have been and are actively looking for another location in Caboolture for the Family Store,” she said.
“It will just be about finding a new location that will be sustainable for us to have all the things we need.”
Ms. Cook could not comment on why the current location isn’t suitable anymore.
The Salvation Army has been a long-standing member of the Caboolture community for many years.
Throughout that time, they have supported the community in many ways, including providing a store to ensure access to quality second-hand goods at great prices.
The Morayfield, Burpengary, and North Lakes stores will continue to raise funds to support the local community and enable The Salvation Army to provide help to those in need.
National Director of Salvos Stores, Matt Davis, said he is excited to continue servicing the area through the three stores, ensuring they offer the community a place “to shop, donate and connect.”
“We are looking forward to continuing to grow with the community and continue to offer this vital service whilst the wider Salvation Army team supports those most in need,” he said.
The new North Lakes Salvos Store will be stocked with a wide variety of pre-loved clothing, accessories, and homewares.
In addition to the items the community has come to expect, it will stock brand-new mattresses and a range of new products, including cleaning supplies, socks, and sweet treats, to support the community's evolving needs.
Donations are always welcomed, and those looking to donate are encouraged to do so Monday to Saturday during opening hours.
For those interested in volunteering for Christmas support in Caboolture, call 0413 094 636.
For more information about Salvos Stores, visit [www.salvosstores.com.au](http://www.salvosstores.com.au).
