Non-profits struggling as hoarders keep hold of goods

PRINCE GEORGE — It seems nobody is immune to the trickle-down effects of COVID-19. As people take their own health and safety into consideration, some local organizations are being hit hard when it comes to community support.

Groups like Saint Vincent de Paul, struggling to bring in donations as people stock up at local grocery stores. For The Salvation Army, it’s forced them into Pandemic 1. Sally-Ann also has levels up to Pandemic 2 and Pandemic 3, with rules and regulations getting more and more strict.

But the other issue facing non-profits is volunteers with people continue to practice self-isolation and taking care of themselves. Volunteers handle about 80% of Sally Ann’s workload. With non-essential services being closed, that opens the existing volunteers to help in other places. But it’s not a firm solution.

No new volunteer applications are currently being accepted by The Salvation Army due to potential health concerns. Cash donations are what’s being sought the most as it is the most cost-effective way for the organization to stock its shelves.