Charity shops seek volunteers

They reopened on Monday, following months of closure to adhere to the most recent lockdown.

The charity’s chain of 45 shops have all been closed, resulting in a loss of over £400,000 of income.

There are several volunteering opportunities in Carluke and Lanark, from helping on the shop floor to keeping the shop safe by managing socially distanced queues.

Carole Edmonds, regional retail manager, said: “The team are really looking forward to welcoming back customers but we’re desperately looking for volunteers to help keep the stores running.”

Stores will begin accepting stock donations from today but the safety of staff, volunteers and customers is a priority.

All stock will be quarantined for 72 hours, cough screens and hand sanitising stations have been installed and there will be a limit to the number of people allowed in.

Anyone who has stock to donate should call Carluke on 01555 752044 or Lanark on 01555 664950 to arrange a drop-off time. If you’d like to volunteer, email [email protected].

St Andrew’s Hospice Shop in High Street, Lanark, also reopened to the public today.

As well as donations, the charity is keen to hear from anyone who could lend a hand by volunteering.

To apply, contact volunteer co-ordinator Julie Wilson on 01236 766951 or email [email protected]