DESPITE a spate of Poppy Appeal collection thefts in Evesham, the town's Royal British Legion branch has raised more than £8,600 to help support armed forces veterans.
Eight of the boxes were stolen in November, during the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday.
One was even snatched from an undertakers.
Donations put in collection boxes in outlets such as shops amounted to £2,698.96 and door-to-door collections raised £3,192.84.
A street collection generated £2,778.38 in an overall collection total of £8,670.18.
With additional donations and wreath payments, the sum has been boosted to £10,592.80 to date, with more set to follow.
But Noel Wilkes, the Poppy Appeal organiser for Evesham, said new and younger volunteers would be needed if the branch's work was to continue over coming years.
"Our band of loyal collectors consists, mainly, of very senior citizens and we must have new younger collectors if this work is to continue," he explained.
Mr Wilkes can be contacted on 01386 442520.
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