Charity responds with kindness to “despicable” honesty box theft

Friday 07 October 2022

A disability employment charity whose honesty box was “sadly stolen” from its vegetable stall has been praised for responding to the “despicable” theft with a show of kindness.

Acorn, which provides employment opportunities to people with disabilities, reported the apparent theft of the chained box social media yesterday.

While it said it was in the process of reviewing its CCTV to "track [the culprit] down", it offered the individual an opportunity to come forward to put things right, and get help if they need it.

"...We are a pretty reasonable bunch and we'd appreciate having the box back (and the money inside)," Acorn said.

"We'd be happy to help signpost you to support services if you are in financial crisis."

They added: "At Acorn we provide employment and training for people with disabilities. The allotment is an excellent training ground for developing horticultural skills. Selling vegetables from the honesty box gives our project groups such a feeling of pride so I'm sure you can understand the upset this has caused."

Many responded to the post with shock and indignation.

Several islanders branded the act "despicable", with one adding: "Acorn does an amazing job as do all the young people who have disabilities ,they are very proud of the work that they have achieved through sheer determination and dedication. Hope that the culprits are caught and named and shamed!"

However, others were full of praise for the stance taken by Acorn.

"That is so sad to think that there are people who would steal from a charity ,especially one like yours who do so much good in our community," one commented.

"Sounds like someone could be desperate for money, nice comment that you can redirect them to services that could help them , hope the problem is resolved soon , honestly boxes provide good produce, at good price's too," another added.

Acorn is open from 10:00 until 15:30 from Monday to Saturday.