As an avid op shopper, the idea of local op shops being full to the brim makes this Lismore App reporter very excited. Lismore is a Mecca when it comes to regional op shopping in the region - as we have so many.

So when a Lismore App reader contacted us to say that some local op shops were not taking donations anymore, we wanted to investigate what was going on.

The Salvos

One of the biggest local charity shops – the Salvos on Carrington Street – is full of furniture, as well as clothing and bric a brac.

Salvos staff member Peter told the Lismore App that they are still taking public donations at the moment – but it could change if and when they get overloaded.

“We had to stop for a while when we had too much, but we take what we can,” he said. “Periodically we stop taking things in order to stretch it to just out a little at a time – but we will put up a sign if that happens.”

The problem for them is receiving too many dirty items and garbage in the donations.

“This means we have to pay to dump them, and we are a charity and need to keep costs down.

“We also haven’t had enough staff to sort through the items – and the rubbish we were getting made us close our donation bins.”

So now, if you want to donate to the Salvos, you need to bring it into the Carrington Street shop during business hours of Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm.

Vinnies

It’s a similar situation at Vinnies on Magellan Street.

Shop manager Noeline said they are still taking donations there, and likes people to come into the shop first and ask if they can bring in items to donate. 

“They can bring them up the back lane to the back door between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday,” she said.

But please don’t bring them electrical items or furniture.

Lifeline

At Lifeline on Magellan Street, Lynne said she is still welcoming donations.

“But some days we are inundated and our charity bins and warehouse are full,” she said. “Then we stop taking items and have a sign up if we can’t take any more.

“But please don’t leave items outside the shop – if it rains, they get ruined and we have to pay tipping fees.”

What items does Lifeline take?

At the Lifeline warehouse at 23 Three Chain Road, in the Industrial Estate, warehouse manager Ethan said he recommends people call the warehouse on 6621 8516 before dropping items off there - to see if they have room.

“We don’t take anything with safety ratings - like cots, cribs, high chairs, things that run on gas, BBQs, mattresses and lounges with stains or tears, old fashioned metal spring bed frames. Or anything electrical over six years old.”

ADRA

At the ADRA op shop on Uralba Street, shop manager Eileen said they are not taking any donations at the moment.

“It’s not that we don’t want them,” she said. “It’s a shame we can’t take any more but we have limited staff and space.

“People have been so generous that we have an extra room full of stuff and not a lot going out.

“But that will change soon. We will put a sign up when we are ready again.”