Parishioners, church leaders and politicians will celebrate the reopening and blessing of the renovated Anglicare St Marys op shop this Thursday.

``It's one of the oldest shops in Queen Street that has stayed in the same place for all its time,'' store manager Wendy Healey said.

``A makeover was badly needed to transform the store from the past to the present.''

The shop was recently closed for a fortnight to be renovated, repainted and recarpeted.

``Everything is totally different,'' Ms Healey said.``But it's more than just an op shop. We're often the first port of call in the community for people who need help. We then refer them to the relevant services that they need.''

Nine intellectually-disabled clients from Nova Employment volunteer at the store on Thursdays to gain work-related skills and experience.

``It's a chance for them to be treated like ordinary people, with dignity and respect,'' Ms Healey said.

``They're not judged or pushed. We help them by making them feel comfortable in a working environment where they not only learn new skills but also have fun.''

The store will have a 50 per cent sale this Thursday from noon to celebrate.

Ms Healey would like to hear from anyone with information about the founding members, volunteers and history of the store.

Contact: 96732937.