Donations left outside Salvation Army store in Napier ruined after rain and ransacking

The donations left outside the Salvation Army Carlyle Family Store which were found ransacked and ruined yesterday morning. Photo/ supplied.

The Salvation Army is calling for people to use its pick-up service or only donate items during store hours.

The call comes after donations dropped outside Napier's Carlyle St Family Store were ransacked and left scattered across the pavement.

Because of the persistent rain on Sunday night and yesterday morning all items were ruined.

Salvation Army Napier corps officer Alister Irwin said it happened regularly, especially at the Carlyle store.

Staff were often disheartened to arrive at the store and to find items left outside that would either need dumping or sorting.

"It is much easier if people drop things off while we are open as unfortunately others come and take all of the goodies and leave everything else."

He said if people weren't able to drop things off during store hours the Salvation Army offered a pick-up service.

People could expect their items to be picked up within 24 to 48 hours.

"We really appreciate any donations so want to make it as easy as we can."

When asked if bins for donations would help reduce the problem, Irwin said they end up being vandalised.

In the past rubbish was placed in the donation bins or things were pulled out, still leaving a mess for staff.

Cameras have since been installed outside the store in hope of deterring people.

Irwin said going through items was ripping off the community and if people needed something the Army would provide it.

The Salvation Army use the revenue from their stores to supply those in need and nationally assist more than 120,000 people every year, including 60,000 families with children who are struggling to make ends meet.

Support includes food and practical aid parcels, budgeting advice, social work, counselling, accommodation assistance and more.

"We really appreciate and welcome donations but ask they come when we're open so situations like this don't keep happening."

The Carlyle Family Store is open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 4pm and on Saturday from 9am to 12.30pm. The Greenmeadows Family Store is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm and Saturday from 9am-3pm and the Taradale Family Store is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

The Hastings Family Store is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and on Saturday from 9am to 1pm and the Hastings West Family Store is open Monday to Saturday 9pm to 5pm.