COMING toward the back end of winter, if there are some jumpers, tracksuits or cold weather clothing you are yet to wear, it could be an idea to give them to a local charity organisation, in recognition of National Op Shop Week which runs from August 23 to 30.
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Now in its fourth year, the campaign slogan for 2015 is 'Op Till You Drop', and is strategically placed a week before spring, so people doing a spring clean can empty out their wardrobes and donate any good quality clothing and other useable items.
St Vincent De Paul facilitator Pat Thornton highlighted several items they are short of that would be welcomed from the volunteers.
"We are always short on blankets and men's clothing as they aren't as quick to give them up," she said.
"The National Op Shop Week serves as a good reminder for everyone to donate clothes they would wear themselves or items they would have in their own home.
"We are very grateful to the Dubbo locals who have both donated clothing and shopped at our local op shop to ensure its continued success in the area."
- Donna Johnson - Smith Family
"But the Dubbo community has been very good so far this year in terms of donations so we thank them for that.
"Dumping has also reduced so it seems people are getting the message."
Ms Thornton revealed in the 12 months to April 2015, St Vincent De Paul gave 1,220 food parcels out in Dubbo, and assisted 1,750 families.
The food parcels and other household items went to families who were in crisis.
While there are always bargains and well-priced items at your local op shop stores, during National Op Shop Week there will be a number of special promotions available, according to The Smith Family's Acting Retail Operations Manager - Recycling Donna Johnston.
"National Op Shop Week is a significant annual event for The Smith Family," she said.
"Every one of our retail stores, including the Dubbo store, will be participating via exciting in-store promotions throughout the week, welcoming experienced and new op-shoppers alike."
Ms Johnston moved to thank the Dubbo community for their ongoing support of The Smith Family in Dubbo, while also issuing a reminder on the eve of National Op Shop Week of the valuable service they offer.
"The Smith Family can be of huge assistance to families who are struggling financially," she said.
"We are very grateful to the Dubbo locals who have both donated clothing and shopped at our local op shop to ensure its continued success in the area."
On the eve of National Op Shop Week, data has been released which shows 28 per cent of op shoppers earn less than $35,000 per year, 30 per cent earn more than $75,000 per year and people who earn between $35 and $75,000 made up another 31 per cent of shoppers.
