Op shop reaches out to community for more volunteers

TWO op shops on the Bellarine are in need of volunteers to help continue their work supporting community members in need.

Drysdale’s Second Chance Op Shop, which is located in Mortimer Street, raises funds for a local food bank run by Drysdale Community Church, while Portarlington’s Second Chance Op Shop, located on Geelong Road, supports church programs.

The Portarlington Second Chance Op Shop has recently expanded and now has a separate furniture section.

Manager Michelle Jeffrey said many existing volunteers were hesitant to return following the pandemic, so they were now reaching out to the whole community for potential helpers.

“We would love to have 10 to 15 staff all up, especially now we have expanded and have a much bigger storeroom,” Ms Jeffrey said.

“We only got this handed over in November, and it took me and another lady a month to get it up.

“Since then it’s been great and one comment we had was how more comfortable they feel walking in with the space around them.

“And we can stock up where we see gaps, rather than overload.”

Ms Jeffrey said volunteers were kept busy all day, especially on weekends or holidays.

She said the store received lots of donations thanks to the generosity of the public.

Ms Jeffrey described the vibe when you walked into the shop as “relaxed and happy”.

“We take pride in being a friendly bunch and we also aim to keep our prices very reasonable,” she said.

Both stores need more volunteers.

If you think that could be you, please call the Second Chance Op Shop on 0431 693 260 (Drysdale) or 0423 033 977 (Portarlington).

You can also visit the shops at 5 Mortimer Street, Drysdale, and 40 Geelong Road, Portarlington, or follow them on Facebook.