A thrift store run by the Flathead Food Bank has been the target of vandalism and thefts recently.

“They come, they make a mess. They steal things,” said Lori Botkin, executive director of the food bank.

The organization runs the Second Helpings Thrift Store. Botkin said that vandals have been rifling through donations to destroy or steal them. In one incident, she said someone opened a clothing bag and urinated on the contents.

In another situation, Botkin said that a woman brought kitchen table centerpieces to add to the rest of the table that previously had been donated. The pieces were stolen.

“It was heartbreaking to her when we said, ‘Well it wasn’t here this morning,’” Botkin said.

The most recent vandalism was over the weekend.

Botkin said that these crimes happened when the store was closed and people had left items against the wall or at the front door as donations.

She advised people to try to make donations during business hours and speak with an employee. The store can lock items in a shed overnight if necessary.

The Second Helpings Thrift Store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Botkin said that the store not only provides for the people who purchase goods, but it supports the food bank as well. That makes the vandalism especially troubling for her.

“Not only are they stealing from the thrift store, but they’re stealing from the food bank,” Botkin said. “That’s income that they’re stealing and destroying.”

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.