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.
"It makes you feel ill, really.
"Kai Time is a low-key, local charity."
Entice was previously raided in January.