A Place for Everyone

Looking to connect, learn something new or discover a hobby you love? You’re in the right place.

Our programs are all about building community and creating opportunities. Drop by our stores to see what’s on offer or get in touch to find out more about any program that catches your eye.

Community Kitchen

Airport West Op Shop – 14 McIntosh Street
Lunch: Monday to Friday, 12pm–2pm – Just $5
Morning & Afternoon Tea: All day – $2 donation

Looking for good food and great company? Join us at our Airport West store for a warm, freshly made lunch or a cuppa and chat anytime during the day. Our lunch menu changes daily and might include anything from hearty soups and casseroles to fresh salads, sandwiches, quiches, bakes, and more.

We proudly create most of our meals from top-quality rescued food, thanks to our partnerships with OzHarvest, Fareshare, Foodbank and Second Bite – turning food that might otherwise go to waste into something delicious and nourishing.

Pop in for morning or afternoon tea anytime – for a $2 donation, enjoy cakes, biscuits and hot drinks (the kettle’s always on!).

This is more than just a meal – it’s a place to connect, unwind, and feel at home. Everyone is welcome.

  • Assisted Volunteers Program

    Everyone deserves a chance to belong.
    Our Assisted Volunteers Program creates meaningful opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved, contribute, and thrive. Based at our McIntosh Street op shop, the program offers a supported and welcoming pathway into community life.

    Find out more

  • Egg Program

    It all started with a simple idea: help a small business and reduce waste.

    Local legend Darren—aka Egg Man—had oversized double-yolker eggs that supermarkets wouldn’t take. Instead of letting them go to waste, he teamed up with Helping Hands to sell them affordably through our op shops.

    What began at Airport West quickly grew. Now, with demand booming, 500 dozen eggs are delivered across four stores each week.

    Our Assisted Volunteers play a key role—unpacking, re-packing, and carefully preparing each dozen under the guidance of our own in-house Egg Man, Dayne.

Donation Stations

Want to Run a Clothing or Food Drive?
Get your school, workplace, or community group involved and help make a real difference!

Whether you’re keen to run a one-off donation drive or something longer term, we’ve got everything you need to get started. We can supply portable wheelie bins, steel donation bins, or even our iconic blue donation bags for a quick and easy campaign.

Just send us an email to let us know you're interested, and someone from the Helping Hands team will be in touch to help you set it up.

  • Christmas Cave

    Bringing joy, dignity, and choice to families doing it tough at Christmas.

    At the heart of Helping Hands is our commitment to supporting families with dignity – and the Christmas Cave is a special part of that.

    Exclusively available to our Community Pantry clients, this program gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to choose brand new gifts for their children, helping create a festive season that feels joyful and “normal,” even in hard times.

    All gifts are new and still in the box, with a wide range available for boys and girls from babies through to 12-year-olds.

    Want to take part? Just chat to our team at your next Community Pantry appointment to register your interest.

  • Bus Tours

    Our Op Shop Bus Tours have been a highlight on the calendar for regional Victoria for many years now. Departing from towns such as Lockington and Kyneton, we bring a coach full of op shop lovers to Melbourne for the day where they tour our stores, shop up a storm and enjoy a delicious lunch at the local RSL.

    If you are interested in running a tour for your school or community group - whether you’re based in Melbourne or in regional Victoria - please get in touch via our contact form.