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Huge response to charity shop burglary
Kind-hearted Chronicle readers helped a Kensington charity shop recoup some of its losses after a callous burglary.
On January 20, we reported that the Octavia Foundation store in Kensington High Street had been broken into, and a day's takings stolen along with a staff laptop.
But after reading about the burglary, record company EMI, which is based in Wrights Lane, Kensington, donated more than 600 vinyl records, CDs and DVDs, and one generous resident offered a computer monitor to help replace the stolen laptop.
Shop manager Kristina Lown said: "We've had visits from lots of new customers since the article was printed, who sympathised with us after the burglary took place.
"The shop is crammed full with lots of wonderful items that have been donated in the last week."
Burglars targeted the shop on the evening of Saturday January 7, damaging stock and getting away with about £350 cash, a laptop computer used to log donations.
Jenni Heavingham, head of shops at the charity, said: "We are truly overwhelmed and delighted by the generosity of businesses and residents in response to the burglary of our shop.
"It really has shown just how strong and supportive our local community is and how very appreciated the work that we do in and around Kensington and Chelsea is.
"Thank you to all of our loyal customers and supporters that responded to our appeal for donations in the Chronicle."
All of the donated items will be sorted and priced at the charity's head office in Kensal Road, North Kensington, before being distributed to the Kensington shop and to others around the borough.
The Octavia Foundation works to improve the quality of life of communities and individuals across West London, and has 19 charity shops in the area.
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