St Vincent de Paul Society's St Joseph Conference president Jill Haberfield said the group's volunteer numbers were down to 13.

"Of those, four or five are over 80," she said.

"Some of these have served for 50 years.

"We know people with young families are very busy so we are hoping to get people who are newly-retired and fit and healthy and looking to do some work in the community."

The St Joseph's Conference volunteers deliver goods to those in need, including food parcels.

Mrs Haberfield said the volunteers' work was of great importance.

"It can be confronting but also very rewarding," she said.

"Helping families that sometimes have nothing really hits home that we shouldn't take things for granted.

"We can help up to 20 families a week. It is a really nice organisation to be involved in, it's a lovely group of people."

The St Joseph's Conference is part of the community welfare arm of St Vincent de Paul Society.

While its operation is separate to St Vincent's retail store, the two do combine to deliver assistance for the community.

"The shop makes the money and we go and give it away," Mrs Haberfield said with a laugh.

"The shop is very important, it provides a great source of revenue to help with our welfare work."

Anyone wishing to volunteer for the St Vincent de Paul Society's St Joseph's Conference can phone 55610767.

Anyone wishing to volunteer can phone 5561 0767.