By Parker McKenzie
The RSPCA Op Shop in Ferntree Gully is calling on local residents to clean out their wardrobes and garages this winter to help animals in need.
The Op Shop — located at 32 Forest Rd — has been open for four weeks and is seeking donations to help raise funds for RSPCA causes.
Store manager Allison Irvine said the best donations are clothes people would still wear themselves and undamaged cookery items.
“We do have lots of DVDs and books, we’re not really looking to have donations of them because we’ve got an excess at this stage,” she said.
“We’re not accepting electrical goods because we haven’t got anyone to test them and people shouldn’t donate anything dangerous like sharp knives either.”
The Op Shop was relocated from Boronia to a larger store in Ferntree Gully last month.
Ms Irvine said the best thing to do with donations is to take them into the store to see if they are suitable first.
“Actually come into the shop, we accept donations every day and can let you know are full up the back with donations, which is generally if someone has done a big drop off,” she said.
“That way we can say we aren’t accepting donations that day because we don’t have the space. We will gladly take them in the future.”
The Op Shop is unable to accept mattresses, pillows, worn underwear, opened toiletries and damaged items.
Generally later in the week is the best time to donate items according to Ms Irvine, because there are normally more people volunteering in the shop.
“Come in and have a look, we have we have some lovely things in the store,” she said.
“There’s always something for everybody.”
