A SICKENING theft from an animal charity has had a happy ending – thanks to an "amazing" response from the public.
Store staff were left devastated after raffle prizes and other donations – given to raise funds to save a dog's sight – were stolen from the rear of the RSPCA charity shop off Croydon Road in Caterham.
But despair turned to joy as the overwhelming generosity of the public saved the day.
Shop manager Sarah Diversi said: "We were appalled that anyone could be so mean.
"One stolen bag was marked 'raffle prizes' and included bottles of wine, toiletry sets and jigsaws.
"Whoever took the items clearly knew what they were stealing."
The shop had been trying to raise £800 in a special appeal to pay for the sight-saving eye operation for Spencer, an abandoned boxer-cross being cared for at the RSPCA South Godstone Animal Centre.
Since the theft last Wednesday, both the shop and the centre have been inundated with gifts and cash donations.
Ms Diversi said: "The response has blown us away. We have had people coming in to give money and donate presents. The shop was packed on Saturday because so many customers came in who had been shocked at the theft and touched by Spencer's plight."
She said that when a children's buggy was stolen outside the shop last year, concerned well-wishers were similarly generous, donating four buggies.
She added: "The Caterham public is fantastic."
Darren Parrish, manager at the South Godstone Animal Centre, said they had also received donations since last week's incident. These ranged from bottles of champagne to cheques and gift vouchers. He said: "It just goes to show that for every bad person there are many more people with huge hearts.
"When the theft first happened, the staff were very low and fed up. The response from the public has been amazing.
"What was taken has effectively been given back about tenfold. It restores your faith in people."
He said the total donations in cash and kind to the two sites were worth at least £700, bringing the total appeal money raised to £1,100.
Mr Parrish said the excess proceeds will go into the centre's vet bills fund.
Meanwhile, eight-month-old Spencer, who was dumped on December 23, is recovering after his successful operation last week.
He will shortly be re-homed.
To donate money to Spencer's Sight for Sore Eyes fund, call 0300 123 0741
