A collection box’s story

Story of a collection box — small change, big difference

I sit quietly on this shop counter, minding my own business until someone generously feeds me with their loose change.

As time goes by, I become fuller which is quite uncomfortable! Thankfully, my trusty assistant (known as a ‘volunteer box agent’) turns up just in time, shows the shopkeeper their ID badge and takes me away, leaving a new box in my place. We go to the bank where my security seal is broken and my contents are tipped into the counting machine. It makes me really happy to know that the money goes straight to where its most needed. My assistant takes me home then and gives me a good spruce up, as I can get quite grubby! The results of my efforts are written onto a form – I’ve collected over £40 this time. The shop owner will be delighted! The next day, I’m off to a local pub, where my assistant gives me a new number and shows the landlord how to attach my chain securely to something so that nobody steals me. This makes me feel safe and I look forward to my time at the pub; a bit of a change of scene. Boxes can sit in all sorts of interesting venues, so I’ve got plenty of adventures to come! I overhear my assistant thanking the landlord for having me and saying that over £38K was collected by boxes over the last year – wow, that must really make a difference!

We urgently need more collection box agents across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. If you have time to share and would like to join this vital team, please get in touch! volunteering@aakss.org.uk

Join our volunteering heroes!

Volunteers are a key part of our KSS family and make a huge difference to our ability to raise funds. They are often the face of our charity among the local community, as they interact with people in all walks of life, spreading the word about the work of our crews.

We’re always welcoming new recruits to carry out tasks such as: • Attending events on our behalf • Doing store collections to raise vital funds • Receiving donations at cheque presentations • Giving talks about our work • Managing our collection boxes in the community We also have some volunteers who help us in our offices at Rochester, and others who like to go out and cheer on our amazing participants at cycle rides and runs. We rely almost completely on volunteers for most of these tasks and would welcome applications from anyone who might be interested in joining our Volunteering Team.

Interested in finding out more? Please go to aakss.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering, call us on 01634 471 900 or email volunteering@aakss.org.uk