Vandalism turned into an act of kindness in Kenosha

NOW: Vandalism turned into an act of kindness in Kenosha
NEXT:

KENOSHA, WI. (CBS 58) – Vandalism caused to a The Coffee Pot in Kenosha has now been turned into an act of kindness.

CBS 58 spoke with one of the business owners who explained the positive impact.

“To come in yesterday morning and see it broken on the sidewalk, it didn’t feel good,” says Janise Barnhill, owner of The Coffee Pot.

Barnhill is referring to the ice sculpture resembling the restaurant’s logo-a coffee pot with the word ‘lunch’.

“It’s a thing Kenosha does every year and we paid for it,” says Barnhill.

Surveillance cameras capture the act early Sunday morning. Barnhill took to social media to share the discovery.

“The one guy who didn’t knock the statue over, he messaged me and said ‘I was the other guy. I’ve talked to my buddy, and he’s going to call you’, which he did,” explains Barnhill.

Barnhill says the man was remorseful and offered to pay for it, but she made him a different offer.

“You know what you can do, is make a donation to the Shalom Center in Kenosha,” says Barnhill.

The Shalom Center is a homeless shelter and food pantry in Kenosha.

Executive Director Tamara Coleman is now applauding the act.

“I commend him for being honest and coming forward and admitting his wrong,” says Coleman. “I have to thank The Coffee Pot especially for asking him to make a donation. His donation has now turned into a whole community surrounding the homeless and low income families in our county, and those donations will go right to them.”

“When I did talk to him I heard nothing but compassion,” says Barnhill. “I felt forgiveness for him that he really was sorry, and that we could make this right.”

Within 24 hours donations for the center reached nearly $1,000.

You can find more information on the Shalom Center and make a donation here.

Share this article: