Alysha Huxley*
The Morwell Neighbourhood House is unique in its running of a monthly free store, manager Tracie Lund said.
The free store is open to all and offers everything from household goods to clothes and food.
“You do not need a healthcare card, we have an open door policy,” Ms Lund said.
The free store is about both allowing those on a tight budget to shop but also recycling.
“We like to give items another chance before they end up on landfill,” Ms Lund said.
“We rely on local donations from businesses and the community.
“It is not a snatch and grab space, people come and then hang around and they really consider what they take.”
Between 60 and 110 people come through the free store each month and are assisted volunteers.
Lyla McDonald is a community member who has been attending the free store since the start of 2017.
“They have so much here. I needed sheets once so I came here and they had them,” she said. Ms McDonald now also helps out weekly at the neighbourhood house because she said it was such a great cause.
“Without their work, there would be a lot more devastated people,” she said.
Ms Lund said the work at the neighbourhood house would not be possible without volunteers.
“We are powered by volunteers … it is a humbling experience,” she said.
*Alysha Huxley is a Monash journalism student undertaking work placement at The Express
