THE Animal Welfare League is on the hunt for new volunteers to join its Gawler thrift shop, ultimately helping to rehome unwanted dogs and cats.

The Tod Street store is running a recruitment drive to find more retail assistants to help recycle clothes, jewellery, bric-a-brac and furniture.

Lynn Smith, of Freeling, who has volunteered at the Gawler store for almost two years, said she loved it.

“It’s great,” she said. “I do two days a week and it keeps your mind and body busy.

“You’re interacting with colleagues, which is fantastic.

“We’ve got a great group of girls here. And you’re interacting with customers all day long, and most are really friendly and are here for a bargain. And the number of people that say our op shop is the best in Gawler!”

Fellow volunteer Elaine Kidner, also of Freeling, has volunteered at the store since last year and said she loved that it directly supported the work of the AWL.

“It’s a good, happy environment and we have some really lovely customers,” she said.

“We have lots of good things to pass on to people...and it’s really lovely to recycle. People are very generous with what they pass on.”

AWL thrift shops are run entirely by volunteers and are an important source of fundraising income, raising more than $300,000 to rehome cats and dogs.

AWL SA business services manager Sylvana Gugusheff said volunteering in store was fun and rewarding.

“It’s a great way to make new friends and chat with customers,” she said.

“You’ll get training to show you how everything works, adding to your skills and experience.

“And you get satisfaction from recycling while helping AWL’s work rehoming unwanted cats and dogs. Second- hand is our favourite brand.”

The AWL will hold a group information session in the Gawler store next Wednesday, June 23. Register your interest visit awl.org.au or call 8348 1300.