Op shop spreads community goodwill
Palmerston North is a big-hearted city where people give generously to help families in their community by donating items to Goodwill, where op-shoppers support their charity and help the environment.
‘‘We’re lucky to have so many kind people who give; without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,’’ says shop manager Catherine Moxham.
What they do is rely on donations of good quality saleable items to come in, and then many volunteers to prepare items for sale for ardent op-shoppers and bargain hunters.
Goodwill Terrace End and Goodwill Highbury House are both second-hand shops and charitable organisations that raise much-needed funds to help Palmerston North Methodist Social Services.
This enables it to provide counselling to families in need with children’s programmes such as anger management and grief counselling. It also has a foodbank, and helps with education in the city’s Parent-teen unit.
The community-friendly and ecofriendly habits of reusing and recycling keeps their regulars rummaging through the racks.
There’s a lot packed into the shop, with a collection of clothing for men, women, children and babies, manchester, bric a brac, footwear and more.
‘‘At this time of year when it’s cold and damp, people are continually coming in looking for towels and blankets and winter woollies to buy, so we’re always grateful for more of those right now,’’ says Moxham.
People love to fossick about for interesting buys too. There’s little gems tucked away, such as a cheap and cheerful daisy chain amongst the unique jewellery collection.
‘‘At the moment we have a flute which is a bit unusual for us. I took it to Begg’s Music on Broadway who most kindly assessed it for us. It has a lovely tone and just needs some minor work to bring out its best. Something else that is rather unique, is a vintage fairy-down sleeping bag that would be perfect in a retro caravan.’’
Treasure hunters call in regularly in search of classic, vintage and retro clothing. ‘‘We’re always looking for vintage items for our huge event, Yesterday’s Treasures, as well.’’
This massive sale is held off site at the Community Leisure Centre in March, and is a significant annual fundraiser for Goodwill.
The team are extremely grateful for the donations they receive and most of the items they receive are in really good condition. ‘‘Items need to be saleable, not just usable. It’s important that we’re able to present them nicely for our customers.’’
Unfortunately if they’re not, they are bound for the rubbish dump. The big cost of dumping fees bites into profits, reducing the level of funding Goodwill can invest in social services.
Donations can be dropped off at the workshop at 663 Main Street, particularly if it’s furniture or larger amounts of clothing.
While people are welcome to bring donations into the shop when it is open, they are asked to not leave items outside the shop where they either get ruined in poor weather or are taken by passers-by.