For 16 years, Junkie Charity Store has quietly transformed unwanted items into meaningful support for charities across Johannesburg.
And according to founder Michelle De Villiers, the mission is only growing stronger. Based in Linden, the store works with organisations including Johannesburg Child Welfare, Princess Alice Adoption Home, Salvation Army, Hearts of Hope, and the Melville Koppies Heritage Association. Every donated item sold helps generate funding for these causes. “We turn donated items into cash for the charities,” said De Villiers. “There’s nothing we don’t sell.”

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From furniture and books to electronics, toys, and garden décor, the store has become a treasure trove for bargain hunters and second-hand enthusiasts alike. De Villiers believes attitudes towards second-hand shopping have shifted dramatically over the years, especially among younger generations. “It’s become a culture, a tribe. People like spending less money for great quality.”

However, behind every sale is a larger purpose. Many of the charities supported by the store rely heavily on the income generated through donations and purchases. “They desperately need what we can offer them.”

The store receives donations from people from all walks of life – from families clearing out homes to those wanting to ensure loved ones’ belongings continue helping others after they pass away. Junkie Charity Store also offers collection services across Johannesburg and beyond, travelling as far as Centurion, Midrand, and the East Rand to collect donated goods.

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Open throughout the weekend, the store continues to attract a steady stream of supporters searching for unique finds while contributing to a meaningful cause. For De Villiers, the goal remains simple: Keep improving, keep growing, and keep helping charities that need it most.

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