Kim Tuchscherer gets behind the wheel of the new van
advertisement
Lions charity boosted by new set of wheels
By Stephen LloydFebruary 14, 2012
A CHARITY that has helped more than 50,000 vulnerable people has just taken delivery of a much-needed new van.
Volunteers at the Lions Community Store in Fleet will use the new vehicle to help distribute household items to people in need across the area.
Sixty people braved the snow to admire the new vehicle at a special reception launch last Friday.
The van is complete with logos recognising the financial support of First Wessex, Sentinel and Thames Valley housing associations, Hampshire County Council, Hart District Council, Fleet Town Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, TAG Aviation and local Lions clubs.
Store founder and manager Beverley Allardice MBE thanked the sponsors for helping the organisation continue its valuable work.
To illustrate the store's workload, she said that if the 12,750 beds redistributed over the 16 years were put end-to-end they would reach Guildford.
The new vehicle is dedicated to Barbara Tuchscherer, a volunteer for 10 years who died in April 2011. Her daughter Kim cut the ribbon at the presentation.
So far, unpaid volunteers have helped hand out around 87,500 items to some 53,000 disadvantaged and needy people who are referred to the store by social workers, health visitors and other case workers.
The store has been operating from its depot in Fleet since 1995 as a project of several local Lions Clubs, and independently for several years before that.
It is run entirely by volunteers and receives no regular funding, being entirely dependent on occasional financial support from Lions Clubs, local authorities and individuals.
The store has distributed thousands of household items including beds, fridges and freezers, washing machines and cookers to families across the area, including Fleet, Yateley, Farnborough, Hartley Wintney and further afield.
The store is able to carry out electrical safety tests on all the electrical goods it distributes and offers free collection in the Hart/Rushmoor areas.
Good quality basic furniture, household items and white-goods are always needed.
If you have any items you would like to donate to the store, call 01252 616998 between Tuesday and Friday from 10.30am to 3.30pm or email admin@communitystore.org.uk.
Browse Sections
