The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Community rallies round to stock charity shop after break-in
Cowdenbeath: Shop manager overwhelmed by goodwill shown as police probe continues
A big-hearted Fife community has rallied round a charity shop hit by thieves.
The Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) charity has been inundated with stock donations following a raid at its charity shop in Cowdenbeath.
The break-in to the shop in Raith shopping centre, just off the High Street, took place last month.
More than £2,500 worth of damage was caused to the store, resulting in an additional loss of earnings for the busy charity shop as it was forced to close for part of the day.
The large front display window was smashed and, in a further insult, a charity collection tin was stolen.
But since then the community has shown its big heart, coming to the aid of the stricken store.
Shop manager Carol Cook said: “We’re overwhelmed with the support we have received from the local community.
“Everyone has rallied together and has not only donated wonderful clothes and accessories to help fill our shelves but we have received a number of cash donations too.
“The people of Cowdenbeath have given what they can to help us and we are extremely grateful.”
Carol added that the funds which are raised through CHSS’s charity shops go towards the charity’s vital services which support people throughout Scotland to get their lives back on track following a stroke or diagnosis of a chest or heart condition.
CHSS said it was delighted to receive so many stock donations from the local community.
It is now appealing for volunteers to help support them as they sort and sell the large quantity of items.
Carol said: “We are so grateful for all our wonderful donations and would be delighted if anyone in the local area could offer some time to help volunteer within our friendly team.”
For more information on the volunteering opportunities either visit the shop at the Raith shopping centre or call Carol on 01383 510105.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said inquiries were still continuing into the incident.
The people have given what they can to help us and we are extremely grateful