Thrift store gets safe and secure donation after burglary

It was a story of a destroyed safe, stolen surveillance cameras and $4,000 missing from Martha’s Village Thrift Store in Indio that caught Carter Sing’s attention.

“Taking money from an organization that gives, that’s pretty rough,” said Sing from Always Open Safe & Lock.

Proceeds from the shop support food, clothing and housing for the homeless and families in need. Police said a thief or thieves broke in from the building next door by cutting through the connecting wall in early March.

“As there is bad there is good people in this world,” said volunteer Lupita Delgado.

Martha’s Village Store employees and volunteers said Sing heard the news from us and did a good thing.

“It was great. He called the day after he saw the newscast and said he wanted to donate a safe and he did a lot more. He came by (Tuesday) and installed eight cameras and a brand new high-definition security system,” said store manager Tadd Loucks. “We’re really overjoyed and thankful.”

Sing donated $3,500 in security upgrades and labor.

“We’re blessed. We’re not rich, but my dad has a soft spot for Martha’s Kitchen and other things. They do the stuff most don’t want to do so when someone takes that large amount of money like that it’s going to hurt them,” said Sing.

Police arrested 39-year-old Lorenzo Valenzuela, suspected of burglarizing the Southwest Church Thrift Store in Indio and Angel View Thrift Store next door. No word if the those two burglaries are connected to the one at Martha’s Village Store.

It’s safe to say volunteers are grateful for the donation.

“Carter was one of those people who had a big heart. It got touched by the story of what happened here. I feel much safer here knowing we’re secure,” said Delgado.