A Reading charity shop and advice centre says it’s business as normal, despite an early morning car crash that saw its frontage destroyed. Christian Community Action (CCA)’s Oxford Road store and its neighbour, Shazz Hair and Beauty, were hit by a red Peugeot on Saturday, February 28.
Although the shop fronts have been wrecked, CCA is planning to reopen its doors on Monday and be fully open from Tuesday (March 3).
Gillian Kaiser, HR and Facilities Manager for CCA, said: “We aim to open the shop for business on Monday as usual to serve the community and local residents and the Support Centre on Tuesday.
“We would like to offer our grateful thanks to the Emergency Services and Reading Borough Council for their amazing response and help.”
The crash happened around 5.30am and parts of the Oxford Road were closed by Thames Valley Police during its initial investigation. One lane of the busy road out of Reading was kept closed during Saturday day time, to allow time for the debris to be removed.
Local fire crews, along with South Central Ambulance Service, were called to the scene and it is though that there were four people in the car at the time of the accident, two were treated for minor injuries. No pedestrians were injured.
Gillian said: “We are praying for the driver and passengers and if they are injured, we pray that they seek help.
“We thank God that no pedestrians were hurt and with God’s guidance and help we will overcome this challenge.
“Please pray for all those involved.”
CCA is a charity that offers advice, support and help to people in need and has six shops/advice centres in the Reading area. Visitors can buy charity shop bargains and also receive help. Services include a listening ear, emergency food parcels and assistance with furniture or household goods for people on low incomes.
As well as the Oxford Road store there are branches in East Reading’s Wokingham Road; Coronation Square, Southcote; Northumberland Avenue in Whitley; Wood Lane in Sonning Common and a furniture depot in Silver Street, Reading. It also runs a support centre in Caversham Baptist Church.
Gillian added: “If anyone who needs emergency support and would normally use the Oxford Road shop, please go to one of our other sites where they will receive assistance.”
The charity relies on donations from the public to ensure that its work continues.
Gillian said: “If you would like to donate to help with our work then please visit our website for information.”
To donate, or learn more, log on to www.ccam.org.uk
Last modified on Saturday, 28 February 2015 15:04
