Preston Salvation Army has thanked its volunteers for their support following an uptake in helpers to meet increased demand.

The Salvation Army’s Church and Community Centre (corps) in Preston, located on Harrington Street, has a number of volunteers offering help and has seen an increase in helpers recently due to a rapid rise in people from the local community seeking support. 

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The Salvation Army has over 45 volunteers split between supporting the church and community centre across various departments and occasions, including the food bank and job club during the Christmas period and also the organisation’s two charity shops, located on Plungington Road in Preston and Elmwood Court in Chorley.  

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Captain Debbie Eaton, the joint church leader of The Salvation Army in Preston, said: “We’re so thankful to all of our volunteers.

“The support they provide is fantastic, and we couldn’t continue to do the work we do without them.  

“The variety of backgrounds within our volunteering team and the dedication and passion that is shown is invaluable and key to the level of support that we can give to the people of Preston.” 

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Les James is a retired police officer from Preston and has been volunteering at the church and community centre for over 15 years.

He offers his time two mornings a week where he maintains the garden and grounds and supports the food bank.

Les said: “I take pride in helping the local community, and I feel honoured that The Salvation Army has given me the chance to do so in a volunteering aspect.  

“Being a volunteer can be hard work, but it is also very rewarding.

“Knowing that the centre wouldn’t be able to run and support the local community without volunteers giving up their time makes you realise just how important they are.”    

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The church and community centre also have a weekly emergency food provision which has grown over the years and has seen the need for volunteers grow.

Thousands of items for food parcels are handled, sorted and bagged each month by volunteers.  

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Do you know a local volunteer that deserves recognition? Let us know in the comments below.