However, with an increase in the number of items being deposited at the drop-off sites during spring cleaning ahead of Chinese New Year, volunteers have had to double their trips to the warehouse to eight a day so that the booths are not overcrowded.
The volunteers’ tasks are made more difficult because more people are also giving away bulky items.
“Apart from clothes, toys and old CNY decorations… we are also seeing an increase of about 10 to 15 percent in bulky items,” said Mr. Tan. “Large items such as furniture, desks, study tables, chairs.”
The charity has bolstered its volunteer pool to handle the extra workload and some staff have been working late to help clear the backlog.
Items donated to the Salvation Army are usually sold at the thrift store, with the proceeds going to charitable activities, including programs that serve the needy.
NEW SYSTEM TO GET BETTER
At SiloamXperience, donors must reserve a slot before they can hand over their contributions to the center during this festive period. Each donor is also limited to five bags of items.
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