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alexk
Guest
A feeling of outrage over the theft of supplies at the soup kitchen at the Holy Cross RC Church days ago has now turned to joy following an outpouring of love and support from the public.
Almost moved to tears yesterday, manager of the soup kitchen Joan Lee Chong said Good Samaritans had replaced everything that was stolen and given much more.
Appliances, utensils and food were stolen from the kitchen, which has been run by Friends of Holy Cross for the past 19 years on the church’s compound. The soup kitchen, which is held every Wednesday, provides meals to about 70 people and anyone seeking a meal.
Lee Chong said the Chaguanas-based Price Club had reached out to them on Thursday asking for a list of everything that was stolen, including what was needed for next Wednesday’s meals. She said after they sent the list the company called back several times offering to provide anything else they wanted.
“In the evening around 4 o’ clock, a truck loaded with all sorts of things (pulled up), with everything we lost plus things that we did not lose.”
She said some of the items included a freezer, chiller, stove, microwave, jug blender, hand blender and food supplies.
Said Lee Chong, “I feel really good to know that there are people out there who are willing to do things like this. We get the bad and then the good certainly outweighs the bad.”
She said Guides Funeral Home also pledged a radio and food processor, Advance Commercial Equipment Ltd offered food supplies on an ongoing basis, other people gave cash while others called to offer words of support.
“I was really overwhelmed and distraught by the loss and I am even more overwhelmed by the gain, by the people who have come forward. This is when I have to keep tears away because I have so many people calling. I feel overjoyed. Everything I got back.”
She said even the raffle prizes were also replaced.
Lee Chong said they still do not know how the thieves got in, but they have changed the locks and gotten additional padlocks for the doors.
“The only thing is if a security company come forward now to offer us cameras,” she said.
Lee Chong thanked everyone, including the media, for highlighting the incident and for their support. Investigators are working on some information but have no solid leads as yet. Sgt Ramlogan of the Princes Town Police Station is heading the investigation.