Op shops ready for big trade
DON’T let unneeded gifts sit in your cupboard after Christmas when they can be used to brighten someone else’s festive season.
Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for op shops such as the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Vinnies Woree and FNQ Depot will reopen its doors after the Christmas break today, with other op shops expected to reopen on Monday.
State president Dennis Innes said donating secondhand gifts went a long way to helping other families.
“Regifting is not such a bad thing,” he said.
“If we get a gift we’re not entirely happy with or find it doesn’t suit us, any charity can use it.
“Christmas is just one day out of 365 in the year and people are in need of support all year round.”
Mr Innes said they were expecting a busy week ahead.
“Most of our work in Far North Queensland is done by volunteers,” he said.
“There are 600 members and volunteers in the Far
North giving their time, with just 10 staff members to support them.”
“We assisted 15,000 people in Far North Queensland this year, and 369,000 Queenslanders total.”
Lifeline is also expecting a massive intake of recycled gifts when it reopens today.
Lifeline regional business manager Frank Costa said clothing and electrical appliances were the most common post-holiday goods, along with the odd second-hand furniture donation.
Mr Costa said some items couldn’t be accepted as donations, most notably items which the safety of could not be verified.
“There are certain items which have to meet the Australian safety standards, and we can’t always tell at a glance what’s been damaged,” he said.
“Used car seats are a good example – often we can’t accept them because they might have been in an accident.
“That’s why clothing and bedding are good items to donate, because they’re a safe donation and can make a difference to lots of people.”
REGIFTING IS NOT SUCH A BAD THING. IF WE GET A GIFT WE’RE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH OR FIND IT DOESN’T SUIT US, ANY CHARITY CAN USE IT.