THIEVES stole money from a toy library used by some of the most vulnerable families in the community.
A cash box containing about £40 was taken from the Centenary Church-based facility last week, volunteers said.
The incident has left members of the library, which was threatened with closure last year, appalled and saddened.
Don Gardner, of Christians Together, which runs the library, said: "Last week the petty cash was put away and when we came back on Tuesday morning it was missing.
"There was about £30 to £40 in the box. Fortunately, I had taken the bulk of the money the day before the theft.
Community
"But it really upset me. The toy library benefits the whole community and all the money we make is put back to purchase new toys and to repair and clean existing ones.
"To see any money disappear is a serious blow to us."
The toy library is used by about 200 people in Camborne, allowing registered families to hire a variety of toys at low prices.
Originally based at Trevu Family Centre, it looked in danger of closing as part of Cornwall Council cutbacks until Mr Gardner and his team of volunteers from Christians Together in Camborne stepped in.
Camborne Mayor Jean Charman said: "I never fail to be amazed at the depth some people will sink to in doing something like this.
"They have taken advantage of the most vulnerable members of society – children – who are given a chance to play with toys their parents can't afford to buy.
"It is an important facility and I can't believe this has happened."
Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Camborne police station by calling the non-emergency telephone number 101, quoting reference AC/12/4075.
The toy library is open on Tuesdays (10am to 1pm), Thursdays (2pm to 4.30pm) and Fridays (10am to 1pm).
