CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — After being hit by thieves, FreshLens Chicago, a local nonprofit, has bounced back in a big way thanks to its community and the kindness of strangers.
FreshLens Chicago helps students from under-resourced parts of the city learn the ins and outs of photography — for free.
Students who successfully complete the program are given a gently-used camera to keep. Last week, though, thieves broke into the organization's classroom and offices. The burglars stole about $10,000 worth of cameras and equipment.
The break-in could have spelled the end of FreshLens Chicago’s student photography program this year, as the stolen items weren’t insured.
FreshLens Chicago Executive Director Shirley Nannini launched a GoFundMe page and hoped to raise enough money to replace the stolen items.
In just one day, the nonprofit raised close to $14,000. was raised, which far exceeded their goal.
To date, the GoFundMe has raised over $16,000.
Nannini wrote on the GoFundMe page that FreshLens Chicago has strengthened its security since the burglary.
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