Sequim Electronics, technician team up to support Serenity House

SEQUIM — Sequim’s Serenity House is getting some helping hands — or eyes, as it were — to help the nonprofit with issues of vandalism and theft.

Sequim Electronics/Radio Shack, a locally-owned and operated consumer electronics retailer, recently donated a security camera and supporting equipment to Serenity Thrift Store, an organization that provides clothing, household goods and other items to people in need.

For the last couple of years, the store has had people breaking into dumpsters, illegal dumping, vandalism and theft. In a mid-August interview, Serenity stores director Belicia (Belle) Muñoz said within the past year she has noticed those issues happening — and escalating — nearly every day. People have been breaking into the dumpsters and taking things, then scattering trash around the property, she said.

When Sequim Electronics manager Becky Northaven read about Serenity House’s issues, she was moved to do something about it.

“I thought, ‘Holy moly, they’re just across the street’,” Northaven said.

“I really like Serenity House. They’re an admirable nonprofit that helps the community.”

While Sequim Electronics supports several community organizations and efforts with funds, such as the junior livestock auction, Sequim Food Bank and youth activities, this is the first donation of equipment of this kind.

“It’s a chance to help the local community be a little bit better,” Northaven said.

The donated camera will link with Serenity House’s system and be supported with an accompanying 4 terabyte hard drive. The camera has very good night vision, Northaven said, and will alert a staff member via a smartphone app when it detects motion.

“Over the last five years, camera optics have improved dramatically,” Northaven said. “Hopefully this catches them in the act.”

In late August, Northaven and Michael Murphy of Olympic TV & Tech met with Muñoz to set up the new system.

“We are happy to donate our time and expertise to help Serenity Thrift Store,” said Murphy, a licensed and bonded technician with 25 years in television, internet and home security, in a press release.

“We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe in their community, and we are committed to making a difference.”

For more about Serenity House of Clallam County, visit serenityhouseclallam.org.

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Michael Dashiell is the editor of the Sequim Gazette of the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which also is composed of other Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News and Forks Forum. Reach him at editor@sequimgazette.com.