Christmas rescued after cruel burglary at special needs plant nursery
A group of adults with disabilities and learning difficulties, who were left devastated by a burglary at the plant nursery where they work, are set to have their special Christmas party after all.
Kind-hearted members of the public donated almost £5,000 to Old Tree Nursery in Pendeford, Wolverhampton, after it was burgled last week.
Thieves took £1,000 from a safe. Some of the cash had been put aside for the group to have a party in thanks for all the hard work they have put in throughout the year.
The intruders forced entry to the rear of the site and removed the safe, as well as various tools stored in the out buildings.
The money in the safe was as a direct result of hard work from the team members who raise funds by holding tea parties, a fun day and bag packing at a local supermarket.
Bosses were also saving to buy a marquee which would enable the nursery to hold functions to raise more cash.
On the morning, when the devastation in the offices was discovered, many of the team members were in tears, struggling to understand how people could be so cruel. Many didn't sleep that night for fear that they would be robbed.
Joanne Antcliff, director of performance at the nursery, said: "As soon as they heard, people wanted to help. We just keep getting more and more cheques in the post. The amount we've had is absolutely amazing, it's just unbelievable.
"It's still horrible and vile that they did what they did. It's not nice for everyone to think about that they got in, but we've got to get on with it, they won't beat us," she said.
"The students are going to get their party now, which is the main thing. They've worked so hard and they really deserve it.
"The problem now is getting everything cleaned up and looking how it was. If anyone could spare a few hours and come along to help it would be much appreciated."
Old Tree is a plant nursery located in South Staffordshire sitting in 5.5 acres of beautiful land opposite a nature reserve. Its purpose is to support, through training and employment opportunities, vulnerable people from the local community.
Old Tree is a not for profit project. All income and profit received from sales is ploughed back into the organisation to support the employment, education and training of people with learning difficulties and other vulnerabilities from the local area.
Kelsea Little, spokesman for GoFundMe.com, said: "We were very saddened to hear of the theft that took place at Old Tree Nursery, but the community support in the aftermath of the robbery has been amazing to watch."
To support the appeal, visit gofundme.com/2szptpw.
