Chloe Keogan, from Witton Gilbert, was taking part in a charity bag pack at Consett B & M bargains in December when one of her buckets containing a sum of money went missing from the checkout.
The 15-year-old, who is a member of 1st Framwellgate Moor Scout group, hopes to travel to West Virginia to attend the 24th World Scout Jamboree in July with the money raised.
She said: “I have a huge sum of over £3,500 to raise for my trip to America and have been fundraising since 2017, carrying out odd jobs like babysitting.
“When I found out that someone had stolen my bucket I was so disappointed, I found it so disrespectful that someone would steal from a young girl without any feeling of guilt.”
Katy, Chloe’s mum, was overseeing the event at the store when the charitable donations went missing and with help from staff immediately reported the theft to the police.
After hearing about the theft, a number of local officers organised a collection to contribute towards Chloe’s fundraising including donating money from the office tuck shop.
PC John Gordon, from Consett Neighbourhood Team, said:
“When we heard about Chloe’s money being stolen we immediately wanted to help her.
“To steal money from a young girl trying to fundraise is just despicable.
“A collection was organised by response officers, PC Carl Symes and PC Lee Jackson, to contribute to Chloe’s fundraising.
‘We’ve had a fantastic response and have raised over £50 so far.
“It’s been a real joint effort between neighbourhoods and response. We hope it helps Chloe reach her goal of going to America.”
Chloe said:
“I felt really honoured that the officers went out of their way to help me raise my stolen funds, it was really overwhelming when I heard what they were doing and it was great to meet them face to face to express my gratitude towards them.”
A 38-year-old man from Consett has been charged with theft in connection with the incident.
He will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on February 12.
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