Lonnie residents encouraged to join ‘recycle revival’

AN Op Shop in Point Lonsdale is on the lookout for donations ahead of the cooler months, encouraging residents to join the “recycle revival” to help those in need.

Nestled within Point Lonsdale’s main shopping strip, Point Lonsdale Uniting Op Shop staff and volunteers are asking the community to consider donating new or pre-loved items to the not-for-profit at 2/83 Point Lonsdale Road.

Store supervisor Miranda Christie says while the op shop provides a great meeting point for residents and visitors alike, she says the store does a great job of providing people with high quality items.

“The importance of donating now couldn’t be any more important, and what is equally important is the quality,” Ms Christie said.

“If you would be comfortable giving the item to a friend, then it should be okay to donate.

“Some things to also think about when donating is, is it safe for our team members to handle, clean and dry, without stains, holes or tears, and in good working order with all parts included.”

Ms Christie has been the store supervisor in Point Lonsdale for the past three months but says she has never found a better organisation to work for with an ethos that is so different from any op shop or charitable organisation that I have known.

“We are encouraged to be Respectful, Bold, Compassionate, Imaginative, celebrate diversity and most of all be proud of who we are and what we can achieve.”

Donations being made now by residents, primarily financial than goods-in-kind, come at an opportune time with Uniting Op Shop’s Winter Appeal already under way.

As part of the winter appeal, residents can provide op shops with items such as blankets, doonas, swags, jackets, and other winter woollies to help keep those in need warmer.

Uniting Op Shops national senior manager Jacob Miller says local stores bring in over $1 billion worth of sales for new and pre-loved goods each year.

“Uniting Op Shops alone currently operates 18 active stores across Victoria bringing in close to 8,000 customers per week, which is a pretty significant commitment to us from Victorians,” Mr Miller said.

“Generally our customers are buying two to three items a visit, mainly for fashion, reading or bric-a-brac purposes.

“But people can also provide clothing as well with the Winter Appeal to hit market as we approach the end of financial year period.”

In addition to Point Lonsdale, people can donate goods to Uniting Op Shop locations in Grovedale, Highton, Norlane and Geelong West.