Rochester, N.H. – The nonprofit organization Holidays on the Hill, which provides holiday‑season assistance to families in need, suffered two thefts of its outdoor donation box within a single week.

Box taken twice, cash missing

The box, which sits outside the home of organizer Bobby Judson, had been undisturbed for three years. “No one ever bothered it,” Judson said. “Three years it’s been out here. No one’s ever touched it.” That changed when a suspect ripped the box off the fence, took the cash, and later returned to steal the empty container.

Security video captured an image of the individual, and Judson believes the same person was responsible for both incidents. The first theft resulted in the loss of roughly $75 in donations. The second theft saw the box itself removed from the fence; the suspect rode away on a bicycle, leaving the cash already taken.

Impact on the holiday program

Judson explained that while $75 may seem modest, it adds up over the course of a month of fundraising. “It doesn’t seem like a lot, but over the course of 30 days of doing the same display, it adds up,” he said. The money would have supported services for families struggling during the holiday season.

Community response and next steps

Neighbors and local volunteers have responded quickly. A box was later found on a nearby mailbox, though the cash was gone. Several community members have offered to reinforce the box, even volunteering to weld it to the fence and to construct a sturdier replacement.

“We have some people in the community that have reached out and offered to actually weld it to the fence, so they’ve offered to make us a new box,” Judson said. “We’ll take care of the box, but we may need help actually welding it on.” The organization continues to accept donations in a more secure container.

Message to those in need

Judson emphasized that anyone needing assistance should feel free to ask rather than resort to theft. “Anyone that knows us, our organization, if someone needs help, just come ask,” he said. “Don’t just take it. We’ll help you.”

The incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and support for local charitable efforts, especially during the holiday season when families rely on organizations like Holidays on the Hill.

Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.