The team members at Mooroopna’s Salvation Army op shop have been working hard to expand the store and get more on the shelves.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
For years, volunteers at Mooroopna's Salvation Army op shop have watched quality donations pile up faster than they could find room for them.
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An expansion opening on Friday, June 12, however, will allow stock to get to the shelves and to the public faster.
Mooroopna store manager Christelle Reinbolt said the shop was receiving a huge number of donations from people across the region.
“We are extremely supported,” she said.
“We keep receiving a humongous amount of very good things, and don't have the room in the shop to put them out.”
The expansion has allowed the children’s section to grow and created new areas for bric-a-brac and branded clothes.
“Plus, we can have a nicer display because with more room, you can see things better.”
For the Mooroopna team, every visitors’ shopping experience is important.
“We take a huge pleasure in people having a nice shopping experience, especially for people who cannot afford to shop in real shops,” Miss Reinbolt said.
“It’s nice that they don’t have to buy things that have holes or are dirty.”
Miss Reinbolt said the expanded store would allow volunteers to better manage and process the large volume of donations, ensuring quality items reached customers.
The new area offers more space for homewares and knick-knacks.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The additional space will also improve conditions for volunteers, who previously sorted donations in an area prone to extreme temperatures.
“I've got an amazing team of volunteers that are always showing up, whatever the weather, but this can become a safety issue,” Miss Reinbolt said.
She added that the team of around 20 volunteers had taken on the expansion admirably, embracing the “happy chaos” the move had caused.
“I’m very proud of my team of volunteers … we are more than friends, we’re more like family.”
The team has been supported by the community, with local businesses donating shelves, hooks and equipment to help bring the expansion to life.
Miss Reinbolt recalled being given exhibition walls from the Shepparton Festival.
“The walls perfectly fit my new little office … what are the odds?” she said.
With a strong team, renewed store and community support, Miss Reinbolt is excited to keep growing the op shop’s reputation.
“Everything we’re receiving here stays here. I’ve got the tools to sell online, but I’ve decided we want Mooroopna to be a good thrift spot on the map,” she said.
“I want someone from Melbourne to stop and have a coffee at the corner on their way through.”
Miss Reinbolt said the expansion would not just benefit her team and the shoppers, but the wider region, with money raised at the Mooroopna store going back into the community.
After long weekends and holidays, the store often receives carloads of donations.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The expansion has allowed the kids’ section to get bigger and safer.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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