AN ‘overwhelming’ number of donations has restored faith in a Wordsley charity shop manager who was left devastated after her store was burgled.

Volunteers at the Mary Stevens Hospice shop in Lawnswood were shocked in November when they found the shop had been the target of thieves.

But the community had rallied round the store with an influx of donations being made to the shop throughout December.

Dawn Spencer, shop manager, said: “I was devastated when we were burgled, but a member of the public found out and asked people for donations and from there it just went bonkers.

“We are so grateful for all the support and donations we have had, especially from Crestwood School who donated an abundance of presents and Christmas hampers.

“We have had over 500 bags of items which helped us restock before the holidays, and it really has restored my faith in humanity.”

The shop has also seen an increase in people taking part in its annual Christmas raffle, going from 15 tickets sold in 2015 to more than 750 this year.

A donation of a “stunning” dolls house from Edith Simpson instantly became the raffle’s star prize.

Dawn added: “As a thank you to Edie we invited her into the shop to make the raffle draw and when the Boucher family – who won it – came in to collect the dolls house they made another fantastic donation.

“We cannot say thank you enough to those who have helped us. The community spirit we have here is just brilliant and it has really made my Christmas.”