GROVE CITY — A Grove City College student from Seven Fields is joining with two of her classmates to help a victimized food pantry in its in time of need.

Avalon M. Parsons of Seven Fields, Paige E. Crawley of Pittsburgh and Olivia C. Whiteman of Ford City heard about the burglary that took place Nov. 12 or 13 at Thrifty Threads, a Grove City thrift shop that supports the Grove City Community Food Pantry. Thieves took cash from the register and about $200 that was earmarked for Thanksgiving dinners.

“We decided that we needed to take action to replenish the funds the pantry lost,” Whiteman said. They created a GoFundMe page to raise money.

“Especially as entrepreneurship students, we've all really been exposed to the idea of redemptive entrepreneurship and making an impact, so I think that's where a seed was planted,” Crawley said.

The women shared their GoFundMe page on social media and word of mouth has already spread.

“When we mentioned our idea to others, though, the common response was 'Make sure you let us know when the link goes live as we would love to donate,'” Whiteman said.

Traci Gerard, executive director of the food pantry, said the community's response has been “overwhelming.” Donations are coming in and many people, including Grove City College students, are stepping up to volunteer at the pantry and thrift store.

“This really puts the name where it should be: the Community Food Pantry,” she said.

“Since the burglary,” she noted last week, “we've collected about $5,000 from businesses and individuals. Everyone wants to help, it seems.”

Parsons said the women plan to volunteer with a group of friends soon.

Gerard maintains a positive outlook about the pantry's loss. “I don't know why someone would do that, but I hope the money got them what they needed that day,” she said. “I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.”

Police, meanwhile, are continuing to investigate the break-in and theft. Investigators said the burglary occurred between 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12 and 8:30 a.m. Nov. 13.

There was no surveillance video to help solve the crime since there were no security cameras at the pantry and the neighboring Thrifty Threads store that shares the building.

The pantry runs the secondhand store, which raises money for the charity.

Because of the crime, Gerard said, officials who operate the pantry have decided to install security cameras. They also have purchased more locks.

“I'm paranoid now,” she admitted. “Since this happened, it's buttoned up so tight.”

For more information about the food pantry or to make a donations to the charity, the public can visit www.gcfoodpantry.org or its Facebook page.