By LIA SPENCER
WINTER boots are literally walking out the door at Garfield Op Shop, as the need for warm items steps up this season.
The Garfield Op Shop has been going from strength to strength since it opened in December 2012, two weeks after the old op shop closed its doors.
President Helen Davey said the community was beyond supportive in lending a helping hand and donating items, but there was still a need for more volunteers and warm blankets.
“The shop has been going very well – beyond our expectations. We have been very well supported, and sales have been fabulous,’ she said.
“We have a little shop and we are chockers, but we do need more blankets, especially now that winter is upon us.”
Ms Davey said winter gear was very popular among shoppers, but they accepted most items as long as they were in decent condition.
“We get ornaments, crockery and have had some unusual items like an antique sewing box on legs, motorcycle gear and English-style crockery,” she said.
“Unfortunately we can’t take furniture as we don’t have the space, and we also prefer to get items which are nice and clean, as we currently don’t have water at the shop to clean it ourselves.”
Ms Davey said sales had gone through the roof, and all profits went back into the community. They have given cash donations to several organisations and groups including kinders, Men’s Shed and Probus.
“In the first six months we were able to hand out $6500 in grants to different groups and this year we are looking at having about $14,000 to hand out in grants and support a couple of our own projects,” she said.
Anyone wanting to volunteer can register their interest at the op shop. It is open from 9.30am until 4.30pm from Monday to Friday and 9.30 until 12.30 on Saturdays.
