By Emma Xerri
Christmas can be a daunting time of year, with seemingly never ending expenses making it difficult to maintain much holiday cheer.
But through her daily Elf on the Shelf posts, Marj O’Sullivan from the Berwick Community Op Shop is hoping to tackle any Scrooge-like feelings that may arise, spreading merriment through posts featuring all the hidden gems the store has on offer.
“This idea is new for us,” Ms O’Sullivan said.
“It’s a way to get our name out in the community. We are such a large growth area that I think a lot of people don’t realise we’re here.
“Combining it with the Elf on the Shelf for Christmas has been a fun, light-hearted way to promote the shop, and if it puts a smile on someone’s face then that is always a positive.”
Parents and caregivers will know that coming up with creative ideas for your Elf on the Shelf each day is no small feat, but for Ms O’Sullivan, the greatest source of inspiration is the wide variety of items that appear in the shop.
Through her many posts on the Berwick Community Noticeboard, Ms O’Sullivan has shown the store’s elf ‘Elfie,’ in all sorts of sticky situations, from being wrapped up in yarn, to spinning records and admiring some of the second-hand artwork available.
“I look at other posts to see what has already been done. But when new items come in the shop I’m always thinking about how I could use them, like the Elsa doll or the bike shoes. It’s just a way to keep my mind open while trying to promote what we have.”
In doing so, she hopes her posts can draw attention to the great gift buying opportunities offered by op shops like the Berwick Community Op Shop, not only during Christmas time but all year round.
“I’m passionate about the environment and looking at ways we can repurpose, reuse and recycle,” she added.
“Op shopping used to have a stigma attached to it, but for people who are making environmentally conscious choices, op shopping has become a way of living.
“I’m hoping to encourage more people to come in and look at what they can purchase for their family and friends.
“With climate change, we need to consider how we can increase our sustainability and the amount of waste we’re producing. So, if we can encourage people to consider buying second hand, to me that’s a win.
“And we really have everything. Sometimes we even surprise ourselves with what comes in.
“We get brand new items with the tags still on that can make really great presents.
“But if you’re setting up house or having children, we have clothes, games, even crockery… it’s an Aladdin’s cave. You never know what you’re going to find when you come in.
“Keep your mind open and come see what you can find and how you might be able to use it.”
Berwick Community Op Shop are on the lookout for more enthusiastic volunteers. For more information, contact them at 9707 1745 or via email at berwickopshop@outlook.com, or say hello in store.
