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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To steal from the church toddler group?

165 replies

DemBabies · 10/01/2012 14:06

we're 2 days away from pay day and literally have no money. We are ok for food, nappies etc but we ran out of toilet roll today and so when I went to the church toddler group this morning I stole one from their loo Blush I now feel really really bad about it. Not only did I steal but from the church!!

OP posts:
DeWe · 10/01/2012 14:32

Having dealt with various churches, I think all those I've been involved with would have given you one (or more) if you'd asked.

Take one back next week. If anyone asks you, either tell them, or say with a smile "I found I'd put one in my bag last week, baby brain!" or something like that. I'll bet no one notices at all.

I don't think it's worse to steal toilet roll from a church than anywhere else. Smile

WeatherVane · 10/01/2012 14:33

Cleanliness is next to Godliness ... Pray to St Andrex

harrietlichman · 10/01/2012 14:35

I don't think Jesus would want anyone to go round with a muddy bum. It won't be missed as a one off.

SexySunday · 10/01/2012 14:35

If you could afford to pay to go into the group, why didn't you just not go and buy some loo roll with the money you saved?

SexySunday · 10/01/2012 14:37

Oops, see someone had already pointed that out, it's what I would have done...

IndieSkies · 10/01/2012 14:38

Won't someone please think of the toddlers?

coccyx · 10/01/2012 14:38

Thief

ChunkyMonkeyMother · 10/01/2012 14:44

I've taken them from pubs before now - when we are going on a night out to town - clubs never have them and I refuse to drip dry when I've taken a whole day to get ready - don't worry!

Original poster
DemBabies · 10/01/2012 14:51

I didn't pay for the toddler group. I asked to pay double next week.

OP posts:
nickelhasababy · 10/01/2012 14:54

there's an old joke about God forgiving a poor person for stealing a loaf of bread, but punishing him hard for stealing butter to go on it.

I think this is like that - you needed the bog roll, so it's fine.
Although, it would have been better to ask, you've learned your error, and you're sorry, and that's what God asks for.

PinkAndPurplePirateGirl · 10/01/2012 14:55

I'm a bit Hmm that someone can manage their money so badly and be so destitute that they don't even have 50p to spare to buy a packet of Tesco value loo rolls

Original poster
DemBabies · 10/01/2012 14:58

How do I get the £3.60 needed to get the bus into town (8 miles) to go to tesco??

OP posts:
FlangelinaBallerina · 10/01/2012 14:59

You were desperate and you didn't take any more than you needed. Stealing when you have nothing isn't the same as stealing out of greed. Replace it next week, and next time you're able to help someone in need, do so and remember how it felt to be so broke that you had to steal loo roll. That's what I'd do.

If being low on funds is an ongoing problem, you might want to think about getting some budgeting advice from CAB and looking at whether any local charities could help you. However, some people in this thread don't seem to appreciate that if your income is very low, however good a manager you are you can still end up completely fucked, given the high cost of living and an emergency or two. If you're in that position, the best of luck to you.

Original poster
DemBabies · 10/01/2012 14:59

Not everyone drives or has a shop nearby. Some of us live in very rural areas.

OP posts:
NoOnesGoingToEatYourEyes · 10/01/2012 15:00

Do you go to the church or just to the playgroup?

I have a feeling the vicar or someone from the church elders would have given you a toilet roll if you had asked.

Replace it next week.

AmberLeaf · 10/01/2012 15:00

Good for you then PinkandPurple.

Lots of people are struggling, that means in some cases having 12p left in your purse 2 days before payday.

Its not down to managing badly, its down to not earning enough to last a month.

OP Jesus will forgive you Grin

NewYearEverything · 10/01/2012 15:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

signet · 10/01/2012 15:08

If it had been my church DemBabies they would have given it you happily. Don't beat yourself up about it. Replace it next week but don't worry too much about it, honestly.

PeppermintCreams · 10/01/2012 15:09

Not the worst thing in the world. Take back two toilet rolls next week, and take a look at your budget to make sure it never needs to happens again. And as above, remember to help someone less fortunate than yourself when you are able to.

olgaga · 10/01/2012 15:14

I can't see you getting smited/smote before you replace it - didn't Jesus say everyone should have the chance to redeem themselves?

God help you though if you forget next week Grin.

thepeoplesprincess · 10/01/2012 15:42

God helps those that help themselves.......

Chulita · 10/01/2012 15:47

All the churches I've been to would have given you several if you'd asked and you'd be spared the guilt of stealing (but would have to be brave enough to ask someone).
Tbh, of all the places to steal from, a church is probably one of the best since we're all taught to be forgiving :)
I am NOT condoning stealing from anywhere btw.

FionaBruise · 10/01/2012 15:52

Weathervane- St Andrex LOL LOL

kimbro · 10/01/2012 15:55

YAVU how could any self-respecting person do this.

Angelswings · 10/01/2012 15:56

As church leader, can I say it's ok, but it wasn't the right way to go about it perhaps

The money for loo roll, coffee, biscuits heating etc is normally paid for by the hiring of the hall or entrance fee for the group AND by the congregation who have given to the church.

Hopefully they would all be happy to give you a toilet roll, and perhaps help you in other ways if this is needed. But it's best to ask. Talk to the person running the group.

If you'd asked (which is embarrassing I know) you wouldnt feel the guilt you do now.

Much depends on the area you are living in as to what is available. Is there a Trussel Trust near you? They can help when there is a short fall in cash.

The Vicar should also be happy to point you in the direction of help. Coming from an area with enough money to cope, we'd have given you a whole pack, but if you live in an area where they are very short of money, you perhaps only given you the one.