Hundreds stolen from non-profit, supporters make up for loss

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Senses of joy and relief were not what officials at a Fort Wayne non-profit expected to feel hours after discovering their organization was the victim of burglary.

Workers at H.O.P.E. for Animals , a low-cost spay/neuter and animal wellness clinic discovered Tuesday morning that someone had stolen hundreds of dollars from the facility.

Megan Close, the clinic’s operations manager said a thief or thieves broke into the building from the roof; entering through a ceiling tile in a maintenance room sometime overnight while the clinic was closed.

A total of about $800 was stolen from donation collection boxes, cash registers and offices.

“That can really damage not only our organization but the community that we help,” Close said.  “That really limits what we do.  If we lose a dollar it’s a huge deal so 800 is really bad.”

After the discovery, a message about the loss was posted on the non-profit’s Facebook page.    In a matter of hours, the clinic had recovered what was stolen and actually exceeded the amount through an overwhelming show of support.

“We’re really excited that we have amazing supporters that are with us and behind us.  [They] have literally made it to where it’s not going to affect our community,” Close said.

According to H.O.P.E. officials, changes will be made to security measures and policies within the clinic in an effort to prevent any future crime.