The British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Service, which has specially adapted camper van-style vehicles based at Bletchley and Marlow Fire Stations, provides shelter and support to people who have been involved in domestic fires, floods or other emergency incidents.
The vehicles are crewed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by a team of committed and dedicated volunteers who respond to a pager alert from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's emergency control room. They will attend incidents anywhere in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and, if requested, will go over the border to assist neighbouring areas.
Buckinghamshire co-ordinator Makyla Greaves said: "While firefighters deal with the incident, we deal with some of the emotional and practical issues."
Volunteers are in desperate need of many items for the two vehicles - in particular towels, sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, duvets, sleeping bags, toothpaste and socks.
Makyla added: "Please, if you are clearing out your wardrobes, airing cupboards or simply changing your colour scheme and have surplus material items, give us a call and we would be happy to take them off your hands!
"We are always in need of clothes and soft toys too, and we can even use donations of unwanted presents as raffle prizes to raise funds."
If you can help, please email mgreaves@redcross.org.uk or ring 01296 739300.
What the Fire and Emergency Support Service can offer
- Immediate temporary shelter
- Clothing, toiletries, hygiene items
- Use of shower, toilet and washing facilities
- Use of a telephone to contact family and friends
- Use of a camera to assist with insurance claims
- Support with the care of children - providing toys etc
- Support with the care of pets - food, leads etc
- Sign-posting to other organisations
- Assistance in securing temporary accommodation
- Advice on care and replacement of damaged property