The community can score a bargain for a good cause, with a long-running Illawarra op shop re-opening after shutting its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Senior living, residential care and community services provider Warrigal's Op Shop, located in Warilla, has been operating for more than 35 years and is run by volunteers.
Due to the pandemic, the shop temporarily closed in mid-2020.
Warrigal CEO Mark Sewell said the shop began a staged re-opening in February, in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, before officially opening its doors last week.
"It's a bit of a community hub as well as an op shop, and a lot of people rely on it," he said. "People pop in, they get their items and they see each other.
"With the recession and the loss of JobKeeper, people are feeling pretty concerned and they don't want to spend money on essentials. So this op shop helps a lot.
"Warrigal is a charity and the shop knows how hard it is for some people who have high needs to make ends meet."
Mr Sewell said all funds raised from the shop are used to purchase personal equipment and other items for some of the oldest people living at Warrigal who can't afford to buy those things for themselves.
Mr Sewell said they were always on the lookout for more volunteers for the shop.
He said a number of people across Warrigal's various initiatives had ceased to be volunteers due to the pandemic.
"Without the regular contribution of these inspiring volunteers, Warrigal simply couldn't open this shop," he said. "They tell me being able to give back is something that fills them with purpose."
Michelle Chate, Warrigal's volunteer co-ordinator said she was "continually humbled" by all their volunteers who give freely of their time, passion, commitment and energy.
The shop is located on George Street, Warilla.
It's open three days per week, from 9.30am until 2pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Donations of items are welcome, particularly men's clothing.
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