Thefts are an ongoing problem for charities

At least two local charities have had problems with thefts in recent months.

For Alleghany CARES, the solution was to install two security cameras. For Cora Neville, the solution was somewhat more simple: "Just don't leave it out unless you've got an appointment with someone about it." The "it" referred to here is the various items available at Cora's Charities. This charity, formerly located in the Glade Valley School building, was moved to the U-Lock-It storage building on U.S. 21 south in the Glade Valley flats when the old school building was sold and then demolished this past summer.

"The school building was not very easily secured," Neville remarked. She said that among the items she had stolen from Cora's Charities during the time prior to her move, when it was housed in the school building, included a bedroom suite, many different furniture items, and some personal electronic appliances.

Moving to the storage building did not solve all of her problems in this regard. Although items inside the building may be securely locked therein, there is still the problem of theft of any items that may be outside the building, such as the bicycle that Neville reports she has had stolen since her move.

"People just think that (the items are) there to be given away," Neville, whose charity provides items for those in need, said. "But I still consider it theft, if they don't ask for it." Neville does not charge the needy for items, instead distributing her donations free of charge they become available and accepting donations for her charity. She said that there have been instances where people, with their names signed on a list, have been waiting for the items that get stolen.

"Measures that I plan to take include posting signs, and simply not leaving it out unless I have an appointment with someone to look at it. I've been in this some 20 years, and some people just don't have much integrity."

For Director Joann Leatherland of Alleghany Cares, the solution to this issue of thefts involved the installation of two security cameras in the area of the donation bins.

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