in need.

The Committee of 25 donates over $80,000 a year to help mentally and physically handicapped children -- but its fund-raising has been hit by mean treasure hunters.

People have been lifting items left in good faith by the public, denying the committee the chance to sell the items in their Bargain Box shop on Midsea Lane.

Co-founder and long-time operator Bea Stott said: "It's become a real problem. The scavengers take all the good things.'' Mrs. Stott said the problem surrounds goods left at the front and back of the shop on days when the premises are closed -- leaving them open to opportunists.

They are now taking steps to protect the stock and are pleading with the public not to dump their castoffs but to bring them on days when the shop is open.

And the committee is also concerned that people are leaving items that are not suitable for sale, and more suited to the rubbish dump.

The charity then has to pay to have the unsalable goods trucked away to the dump.

Mrs. Stott has been involved with the store front since it opened in 1976 and has seen the entire charity helping low income families since its foundation in 1952.

The Committee of 25 has since raised over $155,000 that was used to help needy families.

Committee chairman, Ray Latter, said: "It's amazing what people would put out there.

"We found a tip-top rowing machine. Sold it for only $25,'' he said.

The charity provides assistance by helping families with medical care and other costs associated with treatment. They also purchase special equipment for children.

"Families need things like wheelchairs that can cost $5,000. Other things like expenses on hospital trips abroad,'' he said.

Last year, the Bargain Box made $85,000 in profits, supporting many families across the island.

Mr. Latter said: "We literally nickel and dimed ourselves into success.'' Mr. Latter and Mrs. Stott ask that donations be dropped off on Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. when volunteers will be on hand to handle the goods.

And they thank the volunteers, donations and members for their contributions.