BRENTWOOD, Mo. — A Brentwood resale shop is continuing to ask for the community's help after an overnight burglary.
Someone broke into the Miriam Switching Post and stole cash that would have provided scholarships to children with special needs.
With the Christmas spirit alive and well inside the shop, the store held a fundraiser Thursday through Sunday, hoping to make that money back.
Manager Tracy Frish said the support from the community has been the bright light in all of this.
"It feels like we're kind of at a place, now, where people are feeling rejuvenated and happy and moving forward," she said.
Just a week ago though, those feelings were filled with betrayal, Frish said.
"It was just a huge shock. Nothing like that had ever happened to us before," she said.
Following the shop's annual Holiday Extravaganza, someone came into the store and stole money would have provided scholarships for children attending the Miriam School and Learning Center.
Meg Bamford, who is head of the school, said there's no place like Miriam.
"Kids that come to Miriam, come to Miriam because they have to come to Miriam. They don't have other options," she said.
Bamford said the private school serves over 150 kids yearly, from kindergarten through 12th grade, through specialized instruction.
"Our mission is basically to help kids who learn differently get the services, education, anything they need to be successful in life. Many of our kids come for about three or four years and then they go on to more of a traditional setting. Some stay with us for a longer time, but we really do provide kids that foundation to be successful," she said.
Frish said through the fundraiser, they were hoping to bring that success to more students' lives, and they were blown away by the outreach.
"The community, the customers have just stepped up and wrapped their arms around us, and it's been pretty wonderful," she said.
Despite the devastation, the Miriam Switching Post is thankful for the people who have supported their mission. Frish reminded the community that every piece of furniture or home decor purchased goes toward one thing: "It's helping kids in need go to Miriam where they can get the support, they need for their special learning needs. That's what it's all about for us," she said.
If you couldn't make it out to the fundraiser, the Miriam Switching Post is open Tuesday through Sunday. You can donate and learn more here.