Tony’s Kitchen hosts pop-up shop as part of Garage Sale Trail

The kind hearted people at Tony’s Kitchen were just some of the hundreds of Darling Downs residents who took advantage of the Garage Sale Trail this weekend.

IN THE first weeks after Tony’s Kitchen opened off James St in April it served about 20 meals a night for at-risk families and people experiencing homelessness.

Now, eight months on, it averages more than 100 meals each day.

But all that food cost money so to make ends meet the soup kitchen volunteers are hosting pop-up thrift shops.

The second of those shops has taken over Jen Munt’s backyard, as part of the Garage Sale Trail.

It is one of the hundreds of garages sales held in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs this weekend.

“All of the stuff we are selling was donated by the community after we did a call-out,” she said.

“I am aiming to do a sale every three months.”

Tony's Kitchen volunteers (from left) Greg Kowald and Jen Munt take part in the Garage Sale Trail.

The first sale made about $2200 that went directly to helping folks who are sleeping rough.

The sales also give families a place to pick up items that they could not ordinarily afford.

“We give a lot of stuff awamy, Ms Munt said.

“We had a woman come in who was sleeping in her car with her kids and she picked up some clothes and educational books.

“Along with meals, we also offer food packs, hygiene packs and other support.”

The weekend’s sale, on Butler St in Rangeville, was overflowing with books, toys, clothes and kitchenware – all the staples of a good op shop.

Other community groups took advantage of the Garage Sale Trail weekend to earn extra coin for their activities.

Yellowbridge hosted a combined sale at its Station St office and volunteers from the Queensland Rose Garden threw open the doors to their Newtown Park facilities.

“One of the things I am very passionate about is reusing and recycling preloved items,” Ms Munt said.

“This is a great place to get Christmas stuff for all your family and we have some great stocking stuffers.”

“We also have brand new clothing and designer clothing, so you can deck yourself out in a fabulous Christmas outfit for under $15.”

The Garage Sale Trail continues tomorrow.

Click here for list of sales in your area.