LEWISTON – The Special Olympics athletes train all year long for their summer games. The theft of a donation jar from a corner store is not going to break their spirits.

The theft did nothing to break the spirits of Special Olympics supporters, either.

At the Corner Variety on Lincoln Street, store employees say donations have been coming in a flurry since a new collection jar was set on the counter.

“It’s been unbelievable,” said store owner Larry Dyer. “The people have responded like crazy.”

The store has been trying to help raise money for Support Solutions Dolphins, one of the teams that will be competing in this year’s games.

Earlier this week, a jar containing roughly $60 in donations was taken from the store. The theft was reported to police, who are investigating. Meanwhile, the story was picked up by the Sun Journal and later by a radio show.

“We were really down in the dumps about the theft,” Dyer said.

News about the theft prompted store customers and even some strangers to stop by with more generosity than before. Dyer said that on the day the story of the theft started circulating, nearly $200 in cash filled the new donation jar on the counter.

“It’s great,” Dyer said. “There are more good people out there than bad ones.”