THE Salvation Army in Dorchester is urging people to make a donation or become a volunteer to help support vulnerable people.

Jamie Slater, the manager of the charity shop in the Forum Centre in Trinity Street, said she has become desperate for helpers and new stock.

Mrs Slater said the shop, which raises money to help support the most vulnerable people in the community including the elderly, the homeless and the mentally ill, is operating with five regular volunteers when a total of 25 are needed.

She also said that fewer donations had been coming into the shop over the past few weeks.

Salvation Army Dorchester provides emergency supplies such as meals, food parcels, sleeping bags, clothing and footwear, emergency train travel and furniture to local people.

Mrs Slater said: “Most people do not realise what the Salvation Army in Dorchester does.

“Ten per cent of our profits go to head office to support the national relief and emergency fund, but the rest is left to use within the local community.

“But we will not be able to offer the same support without more volunteers and more helpers. We would never close the shop but if the situation stays as it is, it will seriously limit our resources.

“The other day there was a situation where a couple of homeless people needed some food but I didn’t have the staff to go and help. I actually had to get help from someone in Snappy and Harmony Music to come in and take care of the shop while I did my job.

“I need volunteers and I need donations urgently.”

She added: “We really need 25 people to put themselves forward because that’s enough people so that no one gets burnt out – the hours can be anything from three to 12 hours.”

Norman Tucker, 65, from Charminster who works at the shop, said he would also urge local people to get behind the Salvation Army.

He said: “It does a tremendous amount of work world wide and for the community but it’s not widely known about.”

To volunteer contact Mrs Slater on 01305 268755.