A trail of broken glass and empty gift boxes tells the story of a burglary that has ruined the season of goodwill.
|||A trail of broken glass and empty gift boxes tells the story of a burglary that has ruined the season of goodwill for a street children’s centre in Greyville.
The centre, run by an NGO called I Care, was broken into on Tuesday night.
It has provided between 15 and 20 homeless boys with showers, clean clothing and meals for the past three years. Its staff are now praying some of the stolen items will be replaced by generous donors.
The centre’s general manager, Anne Slatter, said food, a microwave, a kettle, four computers, ink cartridges, a DVD player, a radio, clothes and unopened Christmas presents had been stolen.
Also taken was the radio in the vehicle used to transport the boys from the streets to the centre. The vehicle’s passenger window was smashed.
Slatter said the thieves had not been deterred by patrolling security vehicles or an alarm system.
The break-in meant the centre could not operate on Wednesday, and food was delivered to the homeless boys in their areas.
Slatter said she was concerned that the centre might have to dip into its reserves to fix the damage, but was reluctant to do so because the funds were intended for the children.
“This is the time of year when we’re starting to buy school uniforms for the boys who have been reunited with their families,” she said.
Food parcels were also delivered to the homes of boys who had returned to their families.
Street children who arrive at the centre in the morning are allowed to shower and are given fresh clothing and two meals. They participate in activities that include sport, art classes and Bible studies.
According to Slatter, poverty and abuse are the main reasons why the children leave their homes.
To make a donation to the centre, send an e-mail to info@icare.co.za or phone 031 572 6870 after January 3, when the facility reopens. - The Mercury