Port Angeles: Vandal hits thrift store already victimized by arson fire

PORT ANGELES — Time is ticking away for the St. Vincent de Paul Society to clear out its fire-damaged thrift store for repairs needed before it can reopen.

But one more incident has stung workers’ efforts.

On Wednesday morning, frustrated volunteer Barbara Townsend arrived at the Eighth Street store to discover that someone had climbed over a 6-foot-tall chain link fence behind the building, broken into a delivery truck, ripped open bags of donated clothing and strewn their contents all over.

“After three weeks of cleanup, and you think someone has to climb over the fence when they could call a number and we could give them anything they want,” said Townsend, St. Vincent de Paul board treasurer, as she stood amid tables full of donations inside the store late Wednesday.

Arson victim

The shop, which generates the only revenue for the society that in turn puts the money back into the community, was hit by a suspected arsonist early on Oct. 14.

The blaze destroyed a fenced-in storage area, plus the furniture and other items stored there, and radiant heat damaged an adjacent annex area containing office supplies and other donations waiting to be priced.

The strong smell of smoke still lingered in the air Wednesday.

More in News

Budget goals discussed at Port Angeles council meeting

Ideas sorted into short- and long-term goals

Chimacum drainage district is reactivated

Next steps are to appoint an interim board, adopt assessment system

A helicopter joins the firefighting effort Tuesday afternoon at the Belgian Fire near Brinnon. (Brinnon Fire Department)
Belgian fire under control

Firefighters remained on scene Wednesday

Electronics recycling event set for Saturday

The Port Angeles Noon Rotary will host an electronics… Continue reading

Lane closure set Wednesday for art installation

The southbound lane of Race Street in Port Angeles… Continue reading

Beachgoers look for a spot on the sand on Sunday afternoon at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend. Mount Rainier looms in the distance. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Summer sand

Beachgoers look for a spot on the sand on Sunday afternoon at… Continue reading

First Fed accused in Ponzi scheme

Resignations came amid $107M lawsuit

Ballots for Aug. 5 primary election to be mailed today

Hospital commission, Port Angeles, Port Townsend city council races to be determined

Port Angeles to host forum on Rayonier cleanup

Special meeting scheduled for Tuesday

Drought conditions may require trucks to bring water to West End

Clallam Bay/Seiku and Island View water systems are under stage… Continue reading

Clallam County Democrats to host candidate forums

The Clallam County Democrats will host a series of… Continue reading