JIMBOOMBA'S branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society has issued a plea to the community to come on board and help volunteers continue their amazing work.
The local branch, who calls itself St Catherines, is down to the bare minimum of volunteers, with retirements in the past 12 months taking their toll on numbers.
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It has left those behind with a mammoth task, travelling huge distances to provide vital help to struggling people as COVID-19 takes its toll.
They have done a wonderful job giving a hand up in both monetary and compassionate terms to people in our local area who have suddenly needed urgent support.
- Peter Flynn
The town's shopfront closed in 2018, but members still help people in need.
The branch services Woodhill to Park Ridge, with people getting help coming from Greenbank, Yarrabilba, Logan Village.
"Flagstone and Yarrabilba are the big ones," society member and former president Peter Flynn said.
"They come out here for the cheap rent.
"There are a lot of single parent families out here, and separated families."
As the pandemic continues to bite residents, the society helps in a range of ways.
The biggest two calls are for help with food and fuel, Mr Flynn said.
Members meet with people in need twice a week, and can travel for large distances covering the area.
"I frequently travel 50 kilometres - 25 each way - from my home," Mr Flynn said.
Pairs of volunteers travel to people's homes twice a week.
They can provide Coles and Woolworths food vouchers, and help with other expenses like car registration for struggling people.
Mr Flynn said anyone who could spare two to three hours per week would be welcomed.
He hoped at least a pair of new volunteers would come on board.
"If we could get two or three, I would be really pleased," Mr Flynn said.
Mr Flynn hailed the retired members for their commitment to the organisation.
Rod Jamieson, Val Gebbett and Pauline Adams have pulled the pin in the past 12 months.
Between them, the three had given 25 years' service to the organisation.
"They will be massively missed," Mr Flynn said.
"They have done a wonderful job giving a hand up in both monetary and compassionate terms to people in our local area who have suddenly needed urgent support," he said.
If you are interested in volunteering, email John.mcClelland@svdpqld.org.au or peterflynn235@gmail.com, or phone 1800 846 643.
You can also ring that number if you are in need of help.
"A lot of people don't realise they can get help from us," Mr Flynn said.
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