ST VINCENT de Paul is looking for volunteers for its new shop in Round Corner, Dural.
"Ideally we need more [volunteers] for Fridays and Saturdays," area retail manager David Johnson said.
The Dural shop opened last week with six volunteers.
It sells clothing, bric-a-brac, music and books.
"This is a great way to learn retailing skills as well as helping the needy in our community," Mr Johnson said of volunteering.
Volunteers are asked to give up one full day a week, or four hours a day a week.
Full training will be provided including customer service and cash register operations on Wednesday, April 10 at Vinnies Hornsby regional centre in Jersey Street, Hornsby.
Mr Johnson said patronage of all Vinnies shops including local ones was "increasing every month".
"With the cost of living, having to pay for increasing water and electricity . . . people aren't managing," Mr Johnson said.
"It's very hard for some people, if you're doing OK, getting by, and then something happens, or there is a family emergency, it's very embarrassing to say 'I'm not coping' and to ask for help.
"But it doesn't matter to us how much you're earning, everybody needs help sometimes."
He said shop volunteers can refer people to their nearest Vinnies centres in Castle Hill and Hornsby for financial or welfare assistance.
■ Details: 9 The Village Green, 22-24 Kenthurst Road, Round Corner, Dural, 9477 5022.