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Bridgeport Rallies To Help Convent's Food Pantry Hit By Burglars

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch is asking for the public’s help for the Daughters of Charity after a computer and pantry items were stolen in two burglaries at the North Avenue convent that also houses a daycare center and food pantry for the poor.

Mayor Bill Finch visits Sister Theresa Tremblay

Photo Credit: cityofbptct

“All she does is help the poor,” said Finch, who visited Sister Theresa Tremblay on Friday. “There are people all over the City of Bridgeport who have felt this saint’s generosity. She is a lady of faith, great deep faith, and it has served this city very well.”

Police responded to a burglary at the convent at 1490 North Ave. on Jan. 22 in which a computer was stolen. A week earlier, items were stolen, including diapers and sundries that had been collected for the needy.

Detectives are investigating and started a collection at work to help the charity recoup its losses. Detective Joe Badolato said he has witnessed the work Sister Theresa has done in the community and felt the need to help.

“She is a great person. She is completely selfless,” said Badolato. “The Daughters of Charity give so much, so it struck a nerve when someone stole from them.”

Sister Theresa said the theft “breaks my heart” and she would like to have the items back. The computer belongs to the convent, and the diapers and other supplies belong to the needy, she said.

But she said she was more concerned for soul of the thief.

To the thief, she said with a forgiving heart, “If you ever need anything, I give with all my heart. Whatever you need.”

The Daughters of Charity is a grass-roots rescue mission that ministers directly to needy people regardless of their ethnic background or religion. While trying to meet the immediate needs of their clients for food, clothing, child care and furnishings, they also try to tackle the underlying causes of poverty so people can become self-sufficient. The Daughters of Charity was established in 1908.

“There is a silver lining here,” Finch told Sister Theresa. “I really believe that with all my heart.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the Daughters of Charity can mail checks to 1490 North Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604, or contact the convent at 203-334-7000.

 A fundraising page has also been set up here at GoFundMe to help. The page was set up by David Pia of the St. Theresa's Knights of Columbus No. 8013.

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