Clarence Valley op shops are experiencing a spike in donations and sales. Due to increased demand, the Grafton Salvation Army Family Store have expanded their opening hours, while the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Op Shop in South Grafton, started accepting more donations from August 3. 

Kay Strong, coordinator of the Rescue Helicopter Op Shop, said business has been “very good,” since reopening a month ago. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how the store operates, the dedicated volunteer is praising the local community for their ongoing support during these unprecedented times.  

“Customers are so happy the shop is open again and we have seen a significant increase in sales,” she said, listing jigsaws and children’s toys as the most popular items. 

“Due to COVID-19, all donations are now bagged, dated and left for 72 hours before being sanitized and sorted by our volunteers. 

“All our staff have been trained to be COVID safe and it is important that we are still here and we’re open for the local community.” 

Despite only allowing 10 people into the premises at a time due to social distancing, the store continues to record increases in sales compared to pre-pandemic numbers. 

Helena Dewis, a coordinator for the Rescue Helicopter, said the shop has been welcoming an average of 200 customers every four hours. With so many people impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, Ms Dewis said there is a real need for op shops as they offer affordable products to local communities who are doing it tough and “everyone loves a bargain”. She said some of the current items on special in the South Grafton store include winter clothing, which is being sold for $2 per piece. 

“Op shops have something for everyone,” she added. 

Ms Dewis is also encouraging anyone who has had a good clean out during the recent COVID-19 lockdown, to donate quality, unwanted items, especially men’s clothing. 

“There is always a shortage of men’s clothing and we are always welcoming more donations”, she said. 

“We would also like to ask anyone who’d like to make a donation, to please do so during open hours.”  

Along with clothes, games and toys, the South Grafton Rescue Helicopter Op Shop is also seeking more volunteers. To ensure the health and safety of staff and customers, anyone interested must download the COVIDSafe app, comply with the latest Government instructions and practice good hygiene and social distancing.  

“All volunteers must have their temperature checked daily before the start of each shift as well,” Ms Strong added. 

“I think it is a great local charity to be involved with and it is very rewarding.” 

If you would like to become a volunteer, please visit www.helirescue.com.au or contact Ms Dewis on 0402 611 025. 

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Op Shop is located at 63 Spring St, South Grafton. 

Opening hours are 10am-2pm, Monday to Friday and all proceeds go towards keeping the Rescue Helicopter flying in the skies above us. 

But the chopper isn’t the only local charity which has been soaring lately. Recent sales at the Grafton Salvation Army Family Store have also taken off. From August 3, the popular shop is open 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday and the new hours were an instant hit with customers. 

“August 3 was the first Monday we were open,” said Major Cathryn Williamson, a corps officer with Grafton Salvos who also oversees the charity store. 

“We were very surprised by the high number of customers as we had only advertised the new, extended hours on the community and Grafton Salvation Army Facebook pages. 

“As a COVID safe shop, we can only have a maximum of 30 people inside at the same time, but the shop continues to be very popular.” 

After volunteering at the store for almost two years, manager Laura said sales have definitely increased in recent weeks, especially since the doors reopened following the COVID-19 outbreak. Clothes and bric-a-brac have been the most sought-after items and Laura is very complimentary of the “outstanding” local community for donating generously to the shop.   

“We are always encouraging people to donate to the Salvos,” she said, adding all items are properly sanitized prior to being sold. 

“We can also organise contactless pick up if anyone wants to donate larger items of furniture as our delivery truck is out and about. 

“We can’t thank the locals enough for their support.” 

Op shops provide a valuable resource for many people who find themselves in difficult circumstances. They offer quality goods and necessities at reduced prices and a vital social connection for customers and volunteers. 

Major Williamson and Laura are encouraging anyone wanting to make a donation, to please do so during open hours. The store is located at 26 Queen St, Grafton. To arrange contactless pick up, please contact the store on 66 421 244.