A new op shop has opened in Sunshine

23/02 /17 op shop. Rob Matto and Karen Cameron are store managers for the new Helping Hands Mission store. Photo by Kristian Scott

A charity that offers emergency food parcels and discounted clothing has set up a new base at Sunshine.

Helping Hands Mission opened its seventh op shop on Hampshire Road at the end of last month. The not-for-profit organisation will sell low-cost furniture and clothing, and also provide food parcels and free toiletries.

Helping Hands chief executive Melanie Kent said the organisation, which also runs Work for the Dole programs, chose Sunshine to be closer to clients.

“We have been overwhelmed with the number of people coming in over the past two weeks,” Ms Kent said. “A lot of our clients come from the area … it was a strategic decision to open there.”

Helping Hands’ base at Airport West has a kitchen that offers free hot meals and afternoon and morning tea. Ms Kent said the plan is to offer the same service at Sunshine by mid-year.