Flora Lions Club is continuing its efforts to raise funds to purchase a handicapped equipped van for a disabled Flora man.

John Wayne Rieken was left paralyzed from the breast line down due to injuries from a dirt bike accident in the summer of 1999, between his junior and senior years of high school.

Rieken is totally disabled, wheelchair bound and dependent upon the use of a handicap equipped van for his only means of transportation. The 1981 van that was serving him for years is now out of service after having what would be its final breakdown. The cost to replace that van with a good, used van is considerably more than the funds that are now available.

Curt Hufty of Collisions Unlimited is actively searching for a replacement van that meets his needs.

In an effort to help Rieken, Flora Lions Club has raised $2,535 through donations from individuals and organizations. Over $3,000 is still needed to purchase a van.

Any donations from individuals, civic organizations or churches may be sent to a special fund that Lions Club has set up for Rieken. Checks should be made payable to “Flora Lions Club,” with “JWR van account” on the memo line. Mail them to: Flora Lions Club c/o Joe Redmon, treasurer 205 W. Maple Street Flora, IN 46929

For more information, contact Redmon at (574) 967- 3781 or Tom Kressley at (574) 967-4482.