Charities in Orange ask community to hold onto donations as they prepare to reopen

St Vincent de Paul Society northwest region director Phil Donnan said they closed the Orange store when the coronavirus pandemic hit to protect volunteers and community members.

"We are strongly advising people to hold onto their donations until we can reopen again," he said.

"A skeleton crew has been working temporarily to clear away the items but we anticipate to be up and running in the next week or so, the official date is yet to be confirmed."

Mr Donnan said once the Vinnies store reopens there will be santisation, social distancing markings and a rearrangement of the store.

"By applying the social distancing and health measures we want to ensure the safety of staff and members of the community who enter into the premises," he said.

Mr Donnan also said they are continually looking for volunteers to help care and support the Orange community, no matter their age.

"We are looking for people who are able to help out as some people won't be able to due to the coronavirus," he said

"Even if someone is 70 years of age, we encourage them to come on board to help with the phone line as they have a lot of wisdom, care and compassion, and also for the 18 year old who would be able to help move furniture and items for the community.

"Our volunteers are marvelous for what they do to help the community and they are itching to get back."

Salvation Army Bathurst and Orange corp officer Kate Cathcart said they are still receiving household items, textiles and other goods but it may be spoilt by the time it hits the shelves.

"With the recent cold and wet weather, the donations that are outside the front door at the Salvation Army won't be usable for the community in need," she said.

"We appreciate people have the time at home to do clean outs and are wanting to donate, but we have a notification list set up and we'll notify you when we're able to take in donations."

Ms Cathcart also said there is a potential date to reopen the store in late May but it is dependent on the volume of volunteers available.

"There is a slight delay to reopen the store because we currently have volunteers who are 70 years-old and we don't want to put them at any potential health risk," she said.

"We are encouraging community members who are under 70 years of age and without any health concerns to help out at the Salvation Army.

"We are tentatively looking to be open two to three days a week, just until the coronavirus restrictions pass over."

Australian Red Cross head of retail Richard Wood said the charity shops are closed to keep communities safe during COVID-19.

"We ask people in Orange to hold off on donations until our stores reopen again as there are costs associated with moving dumped goods," he said.