The initiative raises awareness about how charity op shops contribute to the well-being of communities.

Glen Humphries, assistant manager at Wagga’s Salvation Family Store, said community support for the store and op shops generally “continues to be strong”.

“We regularly get new volunteers coming to help and to join our family,” Mr Humphries said.

He also thanked all who continue to donate their items to help those less fortunate.

“We’ve been blessed here in Wagga, we get a lot of absolutely new items,” he said.

“These include racks of shoes recently – 34 cartons of shoes.”

Mr Humphries, who is 65-years-old and has been at the store for nearly 10 years, encourage more residents to volunteer at charity op shops.

“You get to meet a lot of lovely people and work with people who become family,” he said.

“You get fulfillment of giving back and it’s costing you only a bit of time.”

To celebrate the week, on October 2, The Salvation Army will be offering 50 per cent off store-wide (excluding furniture and purchased good) across all stores.​

Meanwhile St Vincent de Paul has released its ‘Vinnies 4 Life Bespoke Totes’.

Made entirely from recycled textiles and accessories, Vinnies 4 Life Bespoke Totes are individually handcrafted and made at Castlereagh Industries, a social enterprise providing flexible employment to persons with disability.

“As one of the largest single employers in the region, we have a long and positive history of assisting people with a disability,” senior operations manager Terina Stibbard said.

“Vinnies 4 Life Bespoke Totes offer our supported employees new and creative opportunities for training and upskilling.

“We are now exploring opportunities to provide accredited training and recognition for the skills acquired as a result of the Vinnies 4 Life project.”

Vinnies 4 Life Bespoke Totes are now available in Vinnies Wagga and selected Vinnies Shops in metropolitan Sydney and regional areas.

National Op Shop Week runs from September 30 to October 6.

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