St Vincent De Paul Society Cessnock

“Went in at 3pm one arvo and found a really lovely pair of shoes I was after. I asked what time the store shut and the lady said 3.30 and I said I'd be back before then. When I retuned at 3.15 they had closed on me. Went in a couple days later to get the shoes but they were gone. Love vinnies and what op shops do but this did annoy me.”

“Very easy to donate with helpful volunteers. You can drop your donations off at the back door where volunteets will help to unload your car.”

“Older volunteer ladies refused to let my children under 12 in without a mask. I would suggest that it is their elitist, condescending and discriminatory attitude that has contributed to not one customer being in that store. We went to every other op shop along the strip and there were no issues, and plenty of customers.”

“Was in store today when a man just released from prison walked in, asking for help for an outfit. This is usually classified as a hardship scenario. The staff were polite but refused to help with an outfit after a unsuccessful call to the prison, advised him of the correct services which are unavailable until Friday or Tuesday. In hardship cases such as this, the charity store overflowing with clothes should be allowed to assist. A change in protocol from the overpaid executives would be nice, as people who need help, shouldn't be turned away. I happily parted with $20 for the man after I found him later. I hope he buys his outfit from another charity shop.”

“To be honest, all their products were in the window. The shop is exceptionally large inside with mostly empty racks. Could definitely use more stock.”