THE Salvos Dubbo had celebrated National Op Shop Week this week and Dubbo Salvos corps officer, Lieutenant Mark Townsend, encouraged people to support the initiative.
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"The main aim of National Op Shop Week is to promote and highlight the contribution of op shops to our community," he said.
"Op shops are a vital part of the community, as they provide clothing and other items at prices accessible to people."
Lieutenant Townsend also added Salvos kept the money raised in the local community.
"The money stays in Dubbo and contributes towards the Salvation Army continuing in Dubbo," he said.
"The op shop's presence in Dubbo provides funds to community service programs in Dubbo.
"(Financial) support provides welfare assistance which helps to cover the cost of different expenses for those who wouldn't normally be able to."
Op shops encourage responsible recycling by taking in all of the items that would otherwise end up in landfill, Lieutenant Townsend said.
Kerryn Caulfield, CEO of NACRO (National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations Inc) said op shops could divert about two billion items or more than 300,000 tonnes of clothing from landfill.
She added the week was a great excuse to clean out your wardrobe for spring.
"To de-clutter the house and donate to a charity op shop is a great way to help others as well as the environment," Ms Caulfield said.
People can give back to the community by volunteering, Lieutenant Townsend said. There are 30 to 40 Salvos volunteers currently in Dubbo, but they are always looking for more.
Those interested in volunteering for the Salvos Dubbo can call 6881 8280.
