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The sight of Charlotte Renaud's tearful face on the front page of yesterday's Herald brought a rush of people wanting to help.
The 10-year-old was left heartbroken when burglars stole her Nintendo game console during their seventh attack on her Glen Innes home in less than two years.
Offers that flooded in yesterday ranged from buying Charlotte a new game console or replacing the $105 she paid for the one stolen from her, to movie tickets and a free top-line security system for the family home.
Other readers offered new cabinets, a camping trip to Taupo and a DVD and CD package.
One, Gae Moreley, said she was inspired to help after seeing Charlotte's sad face.
"I've got grandchildren and that poor wee soul. Life's cruel - she's right.
"I sat at the end of my bed and saw the photo. I thought, 'That poor wee girl - I'll give her $100'."
After appearing in the Herald, Charlotte and her family were featured on TV One's Close Up last night and given a Nintendo Wii games console.
A security company also offered its services.
Ferdinand Ramos offered to fix the family's car, which was damaged when it was broken into during one of the burglaries.
"We've been burgled before," he said. "We know it's frustrating. We know how it feels."
Charlotte's mother, Felicia, contacted the Herald on Tuesday after the most recent burglary. The intruders were scared away by the alarm system, but they took Charlotte's prized Nintendo console, which she had bought using money saved over two years.
Yesterday, she was delighted when her mother told her of the many offers from Herald readers.
"Wow. That's really nice and helpful," Charlotte said. "I don't think people have to be kind to other people, they just choose to. That's how I wish the world was like."
Ms Renaud, a solo mother, said of the Herald readers' response: "It'll help renew their faith in humanity. When it happened again I was so upset for the kids. But I know that there are nice people, and it's important that they know that."
In previous attacks, burglars have taken a TV set, a computer, a digital camera and bicycles belonging to Charlotte's brother, PJ.
Yesterday, Ms Renaud thanked everyone who offered help. "I'm just so overwhelmed ... Thank you so much. You'll make two little people very happy."
