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 Youth pastor Andre Trepanier sows empty tables after Christmas hampers were stolen from the Prescott-Russell Church of God in Riceville. Donations have been flooding in today to replace the stolen items. (Errol McGihon, Ottawa Sun) |
OTTAWA - Those whose mission it is to help others have now been helped themselves.
Two days after food and toys were stolen from the Riceville Food Centre, neighbours of all stripes are making up for the shortfall.
“We’re fantastic for Dec. 19 and we’re getting there for next week,” said volunteer Joann Marley.
She was giddy as she listed all that has happened since thieves broke into the Prescott-Russell Church of God, which is home to the food centre, located about 80 km east of Ottawa.
“People are stepping up more than we could have ever imagined,” she said.
They picked up a load of turkeys late Thursday night and decided to store them in someone’s garage for safe keeping. That concern will soon be a thing of the past.
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“A local hardware store has donated steel doors and they’ll come to install them, too,” Marley said. “We had wooden doors with glass, but they got kicked in. An alarm system is coming, too.”
Even the Ottawa Food Bank jumped in to help with turkeys and other food to replenish what was stolen. This comes on top of $500 in grocery store certificates they had already donated to Riceville.
“It’s a tragedy when these types of thefts happen at any time of year, let alone the week before Christmas,” said Ottawa Food Bank executive director Peter Tilley. “When things like this happen, we always find a way to stretch resources to help our member agencies.”
Marley said the local Giant Tiger has offered to help as well, but it’s the generosity of ordinary people, parishioners and others, who have donated their own money and food, that has her shaking her head in appreciation.
“The outpouring of help has been amazing. We’re going to be fine.”
The break-in occurred sometime Wednesday night — and it wasn’t the first time it’s happened. Marley said they got hit before Thanksgiving, too.
So with the turkeys in a friend’s garage and security doors and an alarm system soon to be installed, they’re taking turns sleeping in the church to make sure what is still there remains safe.
As for the Grinches who tried, but failed, to steal Christmas, Marley wishes them just one thing for the holiday season.
“I hope they feel guilty,” she said.
scott.taylor@sunmedia.ca