One of those volunteers, Joanne Henderson, said the idea grew from members of the Benalla Baptist Church looking for a way to utilise some empty rooms.
“As a church we discussed what to do with the area, and what we came up with was an op-shop,” Ms Henderson said.
“There was a small group of volunteers that took over the leadership of it, we painted it and got things donated, got hold of some shelving and opened the doors.
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“We are all volunteers and we donate back into the community whenever we can.”
Ms Henderson said in the past four years the shop had raised more than $80,000.
“As a team we work out where we are going to donate to,” she said.
“A lot goes locally, some goes Australia wide, and some goes overseas.
“For example within Benalla we donate to the local school's breakfast clubs, the hospital and Tomorrow Today.
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“We have a few volunteers like Jane, who has been part of the team from the start and does a brilliant job. Without the team this wouldn't be here.”
The Olive Tree op-shop has a range of second-hand clothing, books, electrical items, furniture and some locally grown fresh produce.
● The Olive Tree op-shop is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to noon, and is at 57-59 Bridge St West.
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