Thrift Shop manager, Bev Graham said she had been doing a lot of furniture lifting due to a lack of male volunteers.

``We are having trouble finding men to assist us with lifting some of the heavier items and doing pick ups and deliveries,'' she said.

``Three of the men who used to do these jobs are not available at the moment so I've been doing a lot of the lifting jobs.''

Mrs Graham said that male volunteers were needed to help with a variety of tasks.

``There are always things to do in the shed. There is furniture that needs fixing, painting jobs to be done, repairs in the shop and of course, pick ups and delivery of clothes and furniture.''

Although she has put an emphasis on finding male help, Mrs Graham said volunteers were always needed to assist with the less strenuous tasks.

``We are going through a bit of a quiet time at the moment due to the winter weather but we are always looking for helpers,'' Mrs Graham said.

``We do have a shortage of men but there are also jobs for women. We have plenty of clothes that need sorting, pricing and ironing and we also require people to operate the till.''

Mrs Graham said that current volunteers found the work rewarding.

``They are doing something useful with their time and they all really enjoy the social aspects of volunteering as they get to interact with one another, as well as a variety of other people. The work teaches them to be caring and considerate.''

Mrs Graham said that the Thrift Shop could not survive without the assistance of volunteers and the generosity of the community.

``The people of Stawell are so generous and giving. It never ceases to amaze me how giving our community is,'' Mrs Graham said.

``People bring in the most beautiful clothing and bric-a-brac which really helps people out.

``We are so appreciative of the people that donate items to the store, as are the people on lower incomes who depend on these items.''