Jess Smith organises Warrnambool Lifeline's outlet in readiness for National Op Shop Week.
IS your wardrobe overflowing with quality unloved clothes you no longer wear?
It’s the perfect time for a spring clean out with a new campaign calling on south-west residents to empty their closets and donate to opportunity shops.
Yesterday the first National Op Shop Week was launched.
An initiative of the Do Something! organisation, the week aims to help those in need by providing cheaper clothing options, as well as recycling unwanted clothes that might otherwise be thrown out.
Good quality items are being sought from donors as more south-west residents take advantage of local op shops.
Lifeline business operations manager Cliff Heath said it was in need of donations that were of good quality and in a useable condition.
“We receive 190 tonnes of donations a year, however up to 50 tonnes of that has to be taken to the tip,” Mr Cliff said.
“We get some sensational donations (but) it shocks some of our donors when they see what other people leave at our stores.”
Mr Heath called on donors to assess the condition of the product and whether it was appropriate. The Salvation Army’s administration manager Chris Philpot agreed with Mr Heath.
“The quality of items is a problem all year through,” Mr Philpot said.
“Some donations are great, while other stuff has to be taken to the tip.”
The Warrnambool Red Cross store and the RSPCA Op Shop are also on the lookout for new donations.
Do Something! founder Jon Dee said giving clothes was a great way to help out the community.
“Having a spring clean is a great way to clean out our cupboards and do something good,” Mr Dee said.
