The Salvation Army donation bins located on Kirkham Road, Bowral have been broken into several times over recent weeks. 

Everything of value has been stolen, and in the process clothing donations have been thrown on the footpath and destroyed by weather. 

Salvation Army Family Store manager Colin Pullan said if the clothing bins continued to be damaged and the donations destroyed, they would have to cease this community service. 

“Over the last financial year we have had increasing costs for security cameras and for donations which are unsalable or have been destroyed by weather and pilfering,” he said.

“These costs should have gone to people in need.

“The Salvation Army is blessed to have awesome volunteers who assist us greatly to complete our work, but when they arrive to work and see the destruction and damage to our property and donations it is very disheartening for these wonderful people.”

Mr Pullan has asked community members to deliver donations directly to the store, rather than to the bins. 

The warehouse is open from 9am to 3.45pm Monday through Friday for donations. 

“We do understand this can be difficult for people so we do provide a collection service for large furniture items,” Mr Pullan said. 

Residents who wish to make large or after hours donations should contact 4861 5181. 

If a client is in need of assistance, Welfare Connect is available on Wednesday from 9.15am to 1pm at 418-420 Bong Bong Rd Bowral 2576. 

Mr Pullan said despite the theft, the Salvation Army was thankful for the community’s donations.

“The Southern Highlands is a wonderful area for donations which enables the Salvation Army to conduct its work and we are greatly appreciative of all the community support we receive,” he said. 

Mr Pullan has asked community members to report any theft they might witness at the warehouse. 

To report theft or damage contact Bowral Police 4862 9299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.