Lewis Lane Playgroup grateful but 'not out of the woods yet' (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Lewis Lane Playgroup grateful but 'not out of the woods yet'

12:34pm Tuesday 12th June 2012 in News By Laura Shack

PRIZES are piling up so high at stricken Lewis Lane Playgroup that staff are having to put on extra events just to manage the load.

Since the Standard launched a campaign to save the theft-hit playgroup on Victoria Road, many businesses and individuals have come forward to offer support with donations and raffle prizes.

But despite the generosity of many businesses across the town, playgroup committee members are still worried that the cash support could dry out before they reach their £8,000 minimum target.

Since the theft last month, staff have been forced to cut down their hours and committee members are having to step in as volunteers just to keep their necks above water.

Funds have reached around £6,000 but playgroup committee chairman Kelly Motti said they were not out of the woods yet.

"It’s amazing how much people have given and we are so grateful for all donations, we’ve even had two coaches hired out to us free of charge for our next school trip by Alex Cars," she said.

"But there’s still a long way to go and although the police think we’ve lost £8,000, we think there could be more debts that we don’t know about. It’s a constant worry."

The playgroup's next raffle and bingo night will be held at The Bees Knees in Cirencester on Friday, June 15 from 7pm, with books costing £4 each.

Prizes on offer include two match day tickets for Swindon Town FC, a fish pedicure at Belle Femme and meal vouchers.

For details and to offer support, please contact Lewis Lane Playgroup on 07816 623298.

To donate to the appeal, send a cheque or cash to the Lewis Lane Playgroup appeal, Wilts and Glos Standard, 74 Dyer Street, Cirencester, GL7 2PW.