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Grinch Strikes Humane Society

BOCA RATON - (CBS4) - Sunday was a busy day at the Tri-County Humane Society Animal Shelter in Boca Raton.

So busy, that no one noticed when a thief walked off with the donation box perched on the lobby counter.

"Someone was hard up, saw a box and helped themselves to it," says Administrative Assistant Susan Richards.  Richards says the director usually empties the box once or twice a week, but people tend to give when the box is full.

The box had two $100 bills.

The donations are used to buy food and medicine for the many dogs and cat that Tri County houses. It's a no-kill shelter and there is always a need.  The theft happens at the worst time of year. Donations are down 70 percent.

"I'm hoping whoever took it is remorseful.  They know what they took from whom," says Richards.

Longtime volunteer Debbie Bernard was there on Sunday.  She says it was closing time and the lobby was full of people filling out adoption forms.

"I can't believe it.  It breaks my heart.  It's not right," Bernard said.

Dog walker Debbie Crombie was crushed hearing the news,  "There are no words.  This place runs on donations.  They need the support to stay in existence."

Crombie comes to volunteer a couple of times a year. Others are here nearly everyday.

Hearing abou the theft Hilda Katlin said, "there are bad people everywhere. They don't care who they steal from."

The new donation box will be bolted to the counter.

In the meantime, Tri County is hoping generous donors will open their hearts and wallets to help make up their loss.

Anyone who would like to help the Tri-County Humane Society could send checks to 21287 Boca Rio Road in Boca Raton, FL 33433 or by phone at (561) 482-8110.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office at (561) 688-3000.

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