A jar collecting coins for 9/11 first responders was swiped from a Dunkin Donuts location in North Windham and representatives from the charity say the thief got away with about $150 in donations.
According to surveillance footage, the thief entered the Dunkin Donuts store around 5:30 a.m. Friday.
Jim Preston, a firefighter for 18 years and representative from the FealGood Foundation, owns a Willimantic bake shop that houses another collection jar.
According to Preston, the foundation typically collects $200-$300 between the two jars every couple weeks.
“It angers me because they are taking money out of the pockets of the people that desperately need it,” said Preston.
He believes the man caught on camera got away with about $150.
“These times people are desperate, whether it’s a habit they are trying to fix or a way to take care of their families,” said Preston. “I don’t know, but there are different ways of doing it.”
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Preston said this is not the first time one of his jars has been stolen, but because so many people are still suffering from 9/11, he refuses to stop collecting.
He cites the hundreds of firefighters diagnosed with cancer following the 9/11 attacks and thousands of other volunteers dealing with various issues of their own.
“I’ll replace that one,” said Preston. “We’ll keep doing good things.”
It’s that attitude that has others lending a helping hand. Preston said this morning he received a call from a Norwich firefighter who donated $150 to match what was in the box.
“Blessings come from bad things,” Preston said.
If you're interested in making a donation, visit the FealGood Foundation online.
