Putting clothes on their backs

By Tania Martin
SIMPLY finding a change of clothes is a challenge for many living in the Yarra Valley as they continue to count the cost of the weekend’s devastating fires.
A local church op shop has stepped in to do just that.
Lilydale Baptist Church volunteers have been working around the clock since Sunday morning to help the people affected by the fires in the valley region.
More than 40 volunteers gathered at The Mustard Tree Op-Shop Sunday night to sort through clothes, and make up toiletry and food hampers.
Community ministries pastor Julie Hunt said locals wanted to do something to help.
“The mood at church this morning (Sunday) was sombre and many just wanted to know what they could do for these people,” she said.
Volunteers also travelled to the relief centre in Healesville with piles of clothes, food and other essential items.
Ms Hunt said it was amazing to see how the community had pulled together in this time of need.
“As distressing as this time is, it’s amazing to find the positive as communities pull together,” she said.
The shop will be open all week for those who have been affected by the fires.
The doors are open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and on Saturday from 10am to 1pm.
Ms Hunt said the shop was well placed to offer clothes for the victims. “We always have a lot of stock from summer donations,” she said.
The shop is in John Street, Lilydale, or phone 9735 3500.