Costumes & Pre-Loved Clothing bringing Change into Young Lives
It’s a chilly day outside, customers are browsing through the racks & shelves in our Hope Costumes & Thrift Store with background music drifting through the area. From the back depths of the store comes a blood curdling “Grrrrrrr, Arrrhhh, Grrrrr” looking up with intial concern I seen a pirate charging up from the change rooms, a multi-coloured parrot barely hanging on for life (not real of course) to his shoulder and I’m confronted with “Hi, I’m Jack Sparrow, Arrrhhh.” laughter ensues as E proudly shows off this weeks dress up choice for his 1 hour with us in Hope Costumes & Thrift Store.
E is one of a number young people that are spending some time within the Hope Costumes & Thrift Store each week, with the assistance of their support workers, they help in many different ways. Janice spends time each week planning out activites that would suit their special abilities and each week they get out into a social environment and increase their skills and stretch their horizons through interactions as proud members of our team.
Janice and her team are building a really welcoming environment for both these young people and our customers. Laughter is common amongst this side of the store as selections are made for the most current dress up party or school event in town. Don’t be deceived though it’s super challenging too, juggling peoples requirements for last minute invitations and trying to fulfill expectations matched to budgets. Our young people do an amazing job in helping people come up with solutions in this area, they have to think on their feet all the time, Google is their best friend with requests coming from left field and never having heard of that character or show before, to put together a desired look.
Bookweek is coming up very soon on the 19th - 26th of August, which sees Janice planning stock around the theme this year “Read, Grow, Inspire”. We can help people access costumes in advance and the beauty of buying through the store is not only are you supporting the important youth work we do, you also have an opportunity to try on the costumes to ensure they are ok, an option online shopping does not offer you.
Having a party, event, needing dress ups or accessories? Get in touch with Janice on the store number 0477 223 384 to give her a heads up and she can update her stock to help your guests find that perfect outfit.
The other aspect of our Store is the Thrift area, we stock pre-loved women, mens and children clothing, some books, accessories, shoes and knick knacks. We aren’t one of the big organisations around town so we are always needing good quality stock, especially good quality mens clothing & items. So if you’re doing a clean out, wardrobe reshuffle or know someone that is please get in contact with Janice via the store 0477 223 384 or manager@hopethriftstore.org.au every donation is precious and greatly appreciated.
If you would like to donate time to help in the store, supply items please contact the store via email manager@hopethriftstore.org.au or 0477 223 384 or if you would like to contribute financially with a tax deductible donation to this aspect of our ministry please do so here.
