Entice Cafe in Masterton has been hit in a smash and grab night burglary on Tuesday for the second time in two months.
But what particularly depresses co-owner Alice Buchanan is the theft of a donation box from the counter.
Ms Buchanan said thieves tried to smash through a door, but the safety glass held, so they smashed a window and climbed inside.
Once in, they kicked down the office door and stole cash and alcohol, plus a Kai Time donation box from the counter.
"For me, there's something wrong when they are taking from needy people in the community," said Ms Buchanan.
