Thrift store opens at Somerset Park Church in aid of Babies Home
The store is looking for volunteers to help out for a few hours a month.
THE Ray of Hope Babies’ Home Thrift Store is finally ready and is set to open on Saturday, March 2, when the Somerset Park Market takes place.
Located at the Immanuel Church in Somerset Park, the thrift shop is filled with loads of books, glassware, kitchen utensils and baby goods.
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Volunteer Dawn Buxton said the next phase of the store will incorporate linen and baby goods.
“Some of the items that are donated to the Ray of Hope Babies’ Home can’t be used at the home, so we resell them to generate income. These items you will find at the new thrift store, all neatly organised and displayed,” said Buxton.
Items at the store start from as little as R10, which is a bargain considering that everything still functions properly and is still in good condition.
Previously, the items were displayed at the market in the form of a stall, but because of the quantity, logistically, it didn’t make sense to remove the items from storage and place them back every month.
“We didn’t have many volunteers to assist us with this and had to pay someone to help on the Saturday. Now, with the store, there’s no need to find manpower to move items whenever the market takes place,” she added.
Buxton said the new store does, however, require volunteers to assist with sorting through donations and possibly to man for an hour or two once a month.
“Schoolchildren who have voluntary hours to spare us are welcome to help at the store. For now, we are only open on the first Saturday of every month, but as time progresses, we will possibly look at opening more frequently,” said Buxton.
The store always welcomes donations from the public which are in good condition and still in working order.
“Come and visit the new thrift store at the Somerset Park Market and browse at the stalls. Bring the family along and have something to eat in between the shopping,” she added.
The next market is open on the first Saturday of every month. To book a stall, contact Buxton on 076 109 1216 or Sharon Moss on 072 421 9855.
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