Ocean City donation jar theft leads to charges and surge in community support

OCEAN CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- A man was charged after allegedly stealing a donation jar intended to benefit needy animals from a store in Ocean City, prompting an outpouring of community support for a local humane society.

Surveillance video from Hoy's 5&10 on Asbury Avenue shows a man wearing an Eagles jersey speaking to a store clerk before taking the jar from the counter.

After the clerk walks away, the man looks around and grabs the container of cash before leaving the store.

It happened on Friday around 2 p.m. The manager there estimates the jar contained between $50 and $100.

Store manager Robert Smith said he was stunned by the theft.

"Honestly, I couldn't believe it that someone would take a donation jar for animals, for needy animals," Smith said.

The jar had been collecting money for the Humane Society of Ocean City, with customers contributing since Memorial Day weekend. Despite the theft, Smith said the incident reflects a broader sense of unity in the community.

"It shows that Ocean City has a great community and they come together when things like this happen," he said.

At the Humane Society of Ocean City, animals continue to wait for adoption while the nonprofit carries out its mission. Operating since 1964, the organization provides veterinary services, animal control and rescue efforts.

CEO Bill Hollingsworth said the theft impacts more than just the organization.

"The community comes together to help support the humane society, so when somebody steals a bank like that, they're not just stealing from us, they're hurting the community as a whole," Hollingsworth said.

He noted that the humane society relies heavily on public support, with about 90 percent of its funding coming from donations. Collection jars like the one taken from Hoy's 5&10 are placed in businesses throughout the city.

"A lot of the merchants feel pride in having one of them in the store because they feel like they're part of us," Hollingsworth said.

Police said they identified the suspect after sharing his image on Facebook and have since charged him. Investigators have not released the man's name.

Despite the incident, humane society leaders expressed empathy and a desire to understand the circumstances behind the theft.

"If I had the chance to talk to the individual, I would like to know why he did it and if he needs help himself," Hollingsworth said.

In the wake of the theft, the community has responded with increased generosity. The humane society reported receiving more than $650 in donations after news of the incident spread, with funds going directly toward the care of animals at the shelter.