PHOTOS: Find your hidden treasures

This is what one can call the Alberton Hidden Treasure Charity Shop situated at the Trust Bank Centre in Voortrekker Road, New Redruth.

Toys, clothes, books, household items such as mugs, cups, plates, blankets, linens as well as CDs are just some of the items one can find at bargain prices.

Edel Schostar, the shop supervisor, said the Alberton Hidden Treasure Charity Shop is one of 14 Hidden Treasure Charity Shops nationwide and was started by the Baptists Women’s League as a way to help pay pastor’s salaries.

Each of the shops now raises funds for a different ministry. The Alberton Hidden Treasures Charity Shop is an affiliation of Arise Ministries.

“Proceeds of this charity shop go to nursery schools which look after 240 children who are educated and fed. The teachers, pastors and assistants’ salaries get paid,” Edel said.

“The money that we get also buys more than 40 vulnerable families groceries on a monthly basis.”

Edel said it is for this reason that they rely on the community to help them in any way that they can.

“We don’t need your money, but your unwanted goods as that is what keeps our shop running.”

With the festive season only months away, the shop wants to challenge schools and pupils to donate all their unwanted toys to underprivileged children so that they can also enjoy the festive period.

Stationery which is not used anymore can also be donated as the shop will then make up stationery packs which will be sold at reasonable prices for parents who can’t afford to buy new stationery.

Edel said they are able to collect items from resident’s homes if they are unable to bring them to the shop.

Apart from having four full-time staff members, the shop is always in need of Christian volunteers.

Alberton Hidden Treasures Charity Shop is celebrating its sixth anniversary this month.
For more information regarding the shop contact Edel on 082 778 856 or on 011 900 7078.