Alice Buttery has a "real flair" for getting people to open up.
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A volunteer for the Salvation Army's Doorways program, Ms Buttery is often the first point of contact for someone seeking emergency relief.
Studying a diploma of community services with TasTAFE, Ms Buttery was introduced to the Salvation Army through work placement.
Almost a year later she still volunteers once a week and said there was no such thing as a typical day with the Salvos.
"I can't describe a typical day, because I never know what is going to happen," she said.
"Things still surprise me, but I just love being able to provide people with some hope. Even just a chat and a nice cup of tea can make a world of difference."
Through her role, Ms Buttery has become known as the "bubbly" volunteer.
Doorways case manager Belinda Farley-Wells said her ability to make people feel comfortable was a gift.
"It's not just about providing that tangible assistance. It's about letting the client know we do care about what they are going through and we are here to help them as much as we can," she said.
"As you can appreciate, people come in and they are often embarrassed about asking for help.
"What Alice does is she entices people to open up and share their story."
The Doorways program provides emergency relief assistance to people through food, vouchers and bill assistance.
However, as Ms Buttery explained, sometimes people just want to be heard.
"There is such a variety of reasons why people come in, to get emergency relief," she said.
"It can be as simple as they needed to pay the registration for their car and that has left them short, or it can be more serious.
"I just love being able to give people some hope.
"When they come in they might be in distress, but when I see them leave they have a smile on their face."
The Salvation Army is one of four Launceston charities supported by The Examiner's Winter Relief Appeal, along with St Vincent de Paul, the Benevolent Society and City Mission. Now in its 61st year, so far more than $14,000 has been raised.
HOW TO DONATE:
At The Examiner's office in Cimitiere Street or at participating businesses.
Electronic funds transfer BSB 035-822, Account 011443537.
BPAY biller number 49429, reference 0100 0406190 01443537 0.