Downtown Quincy Business Reports Overnight Vandalism Near Community Care Box
Business owner says planters were damaged and outdoor furniture displaced, but intends to continue providing food and essentials for people in need.
QUINCY, Ill. A downtown Quincy business owner says an overnight incident left damaged planters, displaced outdoor furniture and scattered food and trash outside the shop, an area where the business has maintained a community care box for people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity.
The owner of Loyd’s Gifts & Collectibles described arriving at the business Thursday morning to find the area in disarray after what appeared to have been activity outside the shop during the overnight hours.
According to a statement posted by the business, the shop has maintained a care box outside its downtown location since last fall. The box is regularly stocked with snacks, groceries and other basic necessities that can be taken by people who need them.
The owner said the location is frequently used by members of Quincy’s unhoused population and others experiencing food insecurity. Outdoor furniture near the shop is also sometimes used by people who stop to eat or rest.
Most encounters have not resulted in significant problems, according to the statement. The owner said occasionally cleaning up trash has generally been viewed as part of maintaining the service.
Thursday morning, however, was different.
The owner reported finding planters damaged, furniture moved from its normal location and food items tossed around the area along with other trash.
The statement attributed the damage generally to people who had apparently gathered outside during the night, but did not identify any individuals. Quincy Current has not independently determined who was responsible for the damage, and there is no information at this time establishing that any particular person or group was involved.
The incident created an additional dilemma because of a deliberate decision the owner had previously made concerning surveillance.
While the business has security cameras inside the store, the owner said a camera was intentionally not installed outside near the care box in order to preserve the privacy and dignity of people who use it.
The owner expressed frustration that destructive behavior by a small number of people could potentially jeopardize something intended to benefit others.
The care box is largely supported personally by the business owner, who said groceries and other items are purchased regularly with personal funds. Friends also contribute supplies.
Despite the damage, there are no immediate plans to discontinue the effort.
“I want to keep the mission going despite a few frustrating mornings,” the owner wrote.
The business is also encouraging residents who occasionally purchase extra groceries or household necessities to consider placing items in the care box.
The incident highlights a difficult balance faced by businesses and organizations attempting to provide informal assistance to people in need while also protecting private property and maintaining the areas surrounding their establishments.
For this downtown business owner, Thursday morning brought understandable frustration, but not an end to the effort.
The care box will remain.
And the invitation to help keep it stocked remains open.
