Together they created their own classroom op-shop, open for all children at Emmaus for donations and to pop past for a bargain. Their efforts have raised almost $260 for Ballarat Soup Bus with a whole other full tins of coins still to count out.

Pupils took care of all the price tags and clothing labels, shop display and marketing about school.

Abel said it was a big effort but when the Soup Bus came to visit the school this week, everyone could see what their bargains were helping.

"It was definitely worth it," Abel said.

"We came up with the idea in class for an op-shop because we wanted to raise money for a charity but didn't know which one at first. We started thinking of things to sell. If people didn't need something anymore they could bring it in and we'd sell it."

There was plenty of children's clothing, babies clothing, some adult clothing. Charlotte, Isabella and Lexi giggled that no undies were allowed because that was grose.

Jewellery was popular, as was toys.

Ms Byron said the tackier the object, the more high-demand it was in the shop. Charlotte, Isabella and Lexi said plastic trophies were big sellers.

The op-shop was initially open before classes started in the morning but the girls said Ms Bryon had to change the time a bit because it would get so packed their teacher had to keep shooing kids out to get class.

Ms Byron said the project helped pupils better understand a little bit about sustainability and create awareness about the Soup Bus and what it did to help people in the community.

Soup Bus founder Craig Schepis, who gave a talk to Emmaus junior pupils, said you could tell by the questions asked that children in general had an increasing awareness and social conscience than from when he first started the bus.

BALLRAT Soup Bus founder Craig Schepis said a big push was underway to restore a service to the Sebastopol community in the New Year.

Mr Schepis said Advanced Cabinetry had done a great job creating new cupboards needed to fit out second bus but finishing touches to the fit-out were needed to get the bus back in working condition.

Ballarat Soup Bus, run under On Track Foundation, was caught short after an unexpected end to its operations for the city's homeless and needy in Ballarat City Senior Citizens Club room last winter.

This forced the charity to suspend its Sebastopol service to bring its bus back to a central outdoor space offered by plumbing company JB Camerons.

Mr Schepis said the charity was working hard to get back into the suburbs, including plans for a third bus in Wendouree, to help cater to those unable to easily access central Ballarat.

Soup Bus clients also include the vulnerable and lonely, who enjoy the company.

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