c2c gives boost to local hospice

Two auctions organised by c2c to dispose of items left on their stations and premises have netted £1244. A cheque for this amount will be presented to the Little Haven Hospice at Thundersley, Benfleet on Friday 27 February.

A large number of items are left on c2c every day. These are collected and held for 3 months at the Lost Property Office in Southend. Anything that has not been claimed after 3 months is put aside for auctions that are regularly held.

These sales are conducted in order to dispose of any items that remain unclaimed for over 3 months. Route Director Leila Frances said: " You'd be surprised at some of the things people leave behind and never claim. In our most recent auction in December, items included a roof rack for skis, .a self inflating bed, some bicycles, and 3 pushchairs. Every day items such as cameras, personal cd players, stereos, books and cds are left, along with tool boxes containing power tools, rucksacks/ holdalls/bags and suitcases. It is surprising that some people do not come back for them but we feel that after 3 months they are unlikely to.

"Rather than we cannot hold onto them for ever I would say that After three months we no longer are expected to keep the items. A member of staff had the idea of holding the auction to raise money for charity to make the most of unwanted items. It has proven very successful!

So the proceeds of the auction will be going to the Little Haven Hospice which does wonderful work for the local community."

Any items that remained unsold were donated to the British Heart Foundation. The cheque will be presented by June Carpenter, c2c's Lost Property Co-Ordinator, and Jon Boucher, the Retail Manager for the route.