A Scots charity has been left reeling after a heartless crook nicked a collection box full of cash.
The blue heart charity box – believed to contain several hundred pounds – was to be split between Share Alike themselves and the Ukraine Appeal. Share Alike help some of the most needy locally with emergency food parcels, clothing and a raft of other support.
They have also led a Ukraine response group in the town to help refugees fleeing war settle in the area, also organising truck-loads of donations to be sent to Poland. The charity, which is run by dedicated volunteers handing out 160 food parcels a week, say they believe the charity box was stolen sometime last Wednesday (June 22) afternoon from a counter.
Founder of the charity, Annmarie Campbell, said that everyone at the charity is “absolutely heartbroken” by the theft. The charity posted: “This is a post we wished we didn’t have to make. But it has to be made public what happened.
“A blue heart, how ironic, full of cash donations was stolen from Share Alike Community Hub today. We don’t know exactly how much was in it, but previous donations indicate around £230.
“Frustratingly, we have been so busy this week that the opportunity presented itself to the scumbag who stole it. You never stole it from us, from the charity or volunteers – you have stolen from the people in need that we help.
“Anyone who saw anything or comes across the heart, which will be smashed to pieces by now, please get in touch.
“It is very difficult to write this without expressing our anger. We constantly help people – against all the odds – every day and wonder, ‘is it worth it’?” Share Alike have also put an appeal out for donations of food with shelves in its community fridge and larder running bare.
Annmarie added: “We are running on empty and are struggling once again. Around 60 people were helped with food parcels yesterday, some from the community larder which includes a lot of free and healthy produce.
“Crucially, though, 27 crisis parcels went out. That’s not just 27 carrier bags, it’s 27 human beings who couldn’t afford to eat.
“Vulnerable doesn’t even start to describe the scenario of ‘how the hell am I going to feed my family?' We really need to ask for the help of the community once again.”
Police Scotland say they have yet to receive a report of the theft of the charity box.
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