A donor’s paradise, a shopper’s dream in Melville

In an effort to bring funds into various charities, donations from a number of sources have created a paradise for buyers of second-hand goods in Melville called Junkie Charity Store.

Michelle de Villiers, owner of the store, put her love for charity to good work almost six years ago and opened Junkie’s, a place where there’s something for everyone.

Initially taking in donations and selling them on 4th Street in Melville, the charity store has since relocated to 7th Street.

“We give dignity to junk,” she said.

“So people love shopping here and we work with a nice selection of charities. We have children’s homes, old-age homes, animal charities, Theatre Benevolent and The Melville Koppies Heritage Fund.”

Each charity receives donations and the items that they don’t find a need for will then be picked up by Junkie’s volunteers, brought to the store to be sold and the money made is given back to the charity.

Donations from the public can be taken to the store where De Villiers will then ask for the donor to choose the charity they would like their funds to be donated to.

What’s better than being able to donate money towards charities, is visiting the store and checking out the thousands of gadgets, toys, books, clothes, cutlery and other things that they have on sale.

“One time someone donated old dentures to us and we thought it was a joke, so we priced them at R600 as a joke. Not long after, an artist came in here and bought them for R600!”

With Chinese-style crockery for sale, vintage clothing, an entire room filled with novels and a number of buildings forming part of the charity shop, exploring this store can be described as a buyer’s dream.

Open seven days a week, you can find the perfect item for any mood, situation or occasion.

Details: 011 024 5284; love@junkie.co.za; www.junkiecharitystore.co.za