LOWER LAKE — Robbers were thwarted in their second attempt to rip off an area charity organization this week. St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Lower Lake suffered monetary and material loss at the hands of thieves that broke into the store sometime between Saturday and Monday.
Apparently, the thieves returned Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning; however, recent installation of a security door prevented a second burglary.
“They took nearly $500 in cash that we use to provide for the community. We work so hard for that money. I was so upset; we were all upset,” Shirley Louie, thrift store volunteer said. “Fortunately, we had a security door installed on Tuesday and they were unable to get in the second time.”
Louie said the first time the robbers hit the store they cut a hole in the perimeter fence. The second time, she said, they just climbed over it. Along with money stolen from the till, the robbers took jewelry, games and other goods. Louie said most of the merchandise taken was that which was in the best condition in the store.
“They covered every room,” Louie said. “I think they must have left in a hurry because they left boxes of stuff behind.”
Louie said this is a crucial time for the organization. “This is the cold season and we give more help now than we do in the summer months,” she said. “These kinds of despicable acts really hamper our ability to assist people in need.”
Louie said that prices are kept extremely low at the thrift store to ensure that those in most need are able to afford the goods they need. She said in turn, those revenues enable the organization to provide financial assistance to area families. “The loss of the money really hurts us because we provide financial assistance, too,” she said. “Without that money we can”t help those who really need it and there are a lot of people in need, especially at this time of year.”
St. Vincent De Paul accepts donations at the thrift store, which is located off Highway 53 behind Kentucky Fried Chicken in Lower Lake, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Donations can also be sent to PO Box 6697, Clearlake, CA 95422.
Louie said while the organization gladly accepts monetary donations and donations of good, usable items the thrift store is not a dump location. “We have a real problem with dumping, which costs us,” she said. “There was a mattress we had to pay $40 to $50 to get rid off three weeks ago. Those kinds of expenses just take away from the program.”
For more information regarding donations, volunteering or other program opportunities call St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store at 995-1724.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
