Note: For the purposes of full disclosure, Rockin Rooster and Happy Hen is a sponsor of Polk.Today.

Money meant to help those in the community was taken from a Rockmart small business in recent days, but the owner is undeterred by the loss of the funds and pledges to continue providing support.

Rockin Rooster & Happy Hen owner Helen Riley was planning on giving the funds to help dogs and cats this month through the use of donations and money raised via Saturday street markets held at 410 N. Piedmont Ave., Rockmart. Instead, that money was taken from the counter of her store. She said in a post on the store’s Facebook page that because of Christmas, the donation box had a decent amount of cash within it.

She had the box taken from the front register when she took the shop kitty to be neutered this past Saturday afternoon. She said a review of security cameras have yet to provide a good shot of the theft. Riley has filed a report with the Rockmart Police Department.

“It’s not just the financial loss which as devastated our team here,” she wrote. “There’s been a huge emotional impact too. Do you know why we have our Street Market on Saturdays? So that we can help people who need clothes, shoes, household items and food.”

Despite the loss of funds, Riley remains steadfast in her commitment to provide support to those in need. She also had a direct message for the thief in her posting.

“It’s only possible for us to provide that care because of the money people donate to us – the money that you stole,” Riley wrote. “We just wanted to let you know all this. It saddens us that you felt driven to do what you did. But thankfully because of the generosity of local people, groups and businesses we’ll still be here to provide care for people and animals when they need it.”

Riley’s previously made donations Our House Women’s Shelter, Mosaic Place and the Rockmart Homeless Initiative.

Those who want to help ensure that Riley’s efforts to help the community by making a donation can send a Paypal donation to r2h22018@gmail.com.