By: Linda Williams
Under the cover of darkness brazen thieves broke into the storage facility at St. Christopher Children’s Home and made off with 3 Mountain Bikes (2 male, 1 female), a 100 ft. water hose with attachments, two Ceiling Fans, a Pick Axe, two Garden Rakes, a Black Garbage Bin, and two 5 Gallon Buckets of off white satin paint. All of these items were newly donated gifts for the benefit of the Children who reside at the home. The thieves cut a section of the chain link fence and made off with the valuables.
Working with a budget that is already stretched beyond its limit – the home is ill equipped to replace those items. Unfortunately, they will now have to go back to the community not only get the items stolen replaced and have the fence fixed but not there is an urgent need for additional security at the facility. Once discovered, the crime was immediately reported to the local police, the Home’s Board of Directors and Administrator are still waiting days later for a formal investigation to be initiated. The Home’s administrator, Margaret Stevens said “it breaks my heart that someone from right here in our community would rob children, children that are in the most need of support from the greater Kittitian Community.”
The Community is now on notice – if anyone purchases any of the items stolen – they will become just as guilty as the thieves and will suffer the same fate when caught. For more than 65 years the St. Christopher Children’s Home has been providing shelter, food, clothing and healthcare to children in need. Not only has the Home served as a residence for children without an official guardian, it has also been a safe place for children who have been victims of physical and/or sexual abuse.
The need to protect these children is real; to provide them opportunities when everyone else has shut them out.” It is absolutely appalling that someone would take advantage of the most vulnerable residents in our community. If you know anything about this crime, please call St. Kitts/Nevis Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 8477 (TIPS). To make a donation to the Children’s Home visit the website: www.stchristopherchildrenshome.org. -END-