How to Donate
What: Fill the Truck
Where: Planes Moving & Storage, West Chester Twp.
What to bring: Non-perishable and personal care items
Drop-off times: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. (Monday through Friday); 8-11 a.m. (Saturday)
WEST CHESTER TWP. — Planes Moving & Storage is filling the truck.
The West Chester Twp. company is one of 11 Cincinnati-area companies taking part in the second annual “Fill the Truck” initiative that benefits local organizations this holiday season.
For Planes Moving & Storage, it is supporting Reach Out Lakota.
“They’ve always been a good friend to Reach Out Lakota,” said Lourdes Ward, the executive director of Reach Out Lakota. “Any time we’ve had a need, they seem to come through. Fill the Truck is a grand way to finish 2011 with more goodies for Reach Out Lakota. We’re very grateful.”
Through Dec. 23, non-perishable food and personal care items can be donated at the business, which is located at 9823 Cincinnati-Dayton Road.
“It’s a great charity and it does a great thing for the people in our community,” Planes CEO John Planes said. “It’s our way of helping them out.”
The initiative started Nov. 28, and through the first week, two bins had already been filled. The bins will be stored in the warehouse until Dec. 23, when the semi-truck will be loaded with the donations.
“We’ve had a long relationship with them and we felt it was our duty to help them wherever we could,” said Abbey McMahon, brand and marketing manager for Planes. “A lot of people think families in West Chester are well off. Many are well off, but there are many in need. Obviously, Reach Out Lakota targets those in need, and we’re happy to help with that.”
Ward said Reach Out Lakota has seen a 20 to 30 percent increase of Lakota residents who need assistance this time of year. Other items like linens, dishes, pots and pans, as well as monetary donations, also are accepted, Ward said.
“It’s people requesting our services, not just for Christmas,” Ward said. “They need food, clothing, daily services.
“With so many people out there needing a hand, it’s wonderful that the community comes together to give us more things.”
Six area Walgreens also have bins that will be donated to Reach Out Lakota.
For more information on Reach Out Lakota, visit www.reachoutlakota.org.
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or steven.matthews@coxinc.com.
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