Op shops return
Op shops are back open and accepting donations to raise funds for vital community services.
The Warragul Red Cross Op Shop has good stock but is still accepting donations whilst Sallies Seconds in Warragul is now taking daily donations as well as contactless furniture pickup.
Warragul Red Cross Shops head of retail Richard Wood said the annual spring clean had taken a greater significance this year as Australia faces a pandemic and a recession.
“If you have good quality clothing you no longer wear, consider decluttering and giving your pre-loved shoes, clothing and homewares to our op shop network,” said Mr Wood. “You can feel good knowing you will also be raising vital funds for our services helping people overcome tough times.”
Warragul shop’s Barb Wirth is enjoying the return of customers as trade starts to pick up after a six-week closure.
“People are glad we are open and it’s good to be back. They’ve missed our shop when it was closed, so it’s good.”
“They can always find a bargain here.”
Ms Wirth said stock levels were good but they were still accepting donations.
She praised customers for adhering to COVID guidelines as well as the work of 16 shop volunteers who are all back on deck.
“We’ve got a very good crew of volunteers. We’re like a little family here.”
Volunteer Helen Geach added the volunteers had stayed in touch during the shop closure, regularly ringing to see how everyone was going.
Sallie’s Seconds in Warragul have increased days for accepting donations.
Warragul Salvation Army captain Amanda Hart said they initially took donations only two days per week due to 72-hour quarantine measures. However, with a gradual lifting of restrictions, donations are now generally taken each day. The shop is still overrun with kid’s clothes and toys.
Contactless pickup of furniture items is also back.
“We really would like if people could donate within business hours,” Ms Hart said, after items left over the weekend were damaged and not able to be sold on in the shop.