Op shops overflowing with donations in Darwin and Palmerston

A DELUGE of donations have op shops overflowing in Darwin and Palmerston

St Vincent De Paul volunteer Kerrie Benson has seen donation numbers double at their sorting warehouse in Coconut Grove over the holiday period. Picture: Keri Megelus

A DELUGE of donations have op shops overflowing in Darwin and Palmerston.

St Vincent de Paul multi centre co-ordinator Colin Bird said their donations had more than doubled after the festive period.

“It’s a very busy time of year for us — people are offloading unwanted gifts, cleaning out things they don’t want and in January there’s also a lot of movement interstate,” he said. “We’re particularly busy in Palmerston and receiving 18 bins that are chockers with donations each week.”

Volunteer Kerrie Benson said they had been working hard with limited staff to sort through huge piles of donations at their Coconut Grove warehouse. Unfortunately, they also get a large volume of unsaleable items, ranging from broken toys to soiled underwear.

“If you wouldn’t give it to your mate, don’t give it to us,” Mr Bird said.