Bristol Church: 'Outpouring Of Support' After Poor Box Theft

BRISTOl, RI — Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is looking to install a new, more secure poor box after theirs was ripped form the wall earlier this week. Pastor Henry Zinno said there has been "an outpouring of support" from the public ever since.

"We'll continue to do the work we're dedicated to, no matter what," Zinno said, saying that the church is dedicated to helping the less fortunate in the community.

The poor box was ripped from the wall in the back of the church on Tuesday, taking both the box and the money inside. Because it had been recently emptied, there was only about $50 inside at the time, Zinno said.

The money donated to the poor box is used to help the community Zinno said, paying for gas, bills and other sudden expenses for those in need.

"We don't give out monetary donations, but we pay for what's needed as we can," he said.

Options under consideration include a box that is fully built into the wall or a security camera nearby.

"We never even thought to put a camera there, we didn't think anyone would do something so unconscionable," Zinno added.

This is not the first time the church has experienced theft. Several years ago, someone stole money from the candle donation box. After a security camera was installed, the thefts quickly stopped.

Since the box was stolen, police have searched the sear, Zinno said, checking public dumpsters in case it was thrown away. So far, nothing has been found. Anyone who was in in the area of the church between 9:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday and may have seen something suspicious is asked to contact Officer Gaffney with the Bristol Police.