It might be only a few hundred dollars to the thief who broke into a Towson church, but to victims of domestic violence, the stolen money was meant to offer a fresh start.

Officials of the Active Coalition for Transitional Services (ACTS) said someone broke into a space they use at the First Lutheran Church of Towson and stole a water cooler jug containing about $300 in change.

The organization provides services for survivors of domestic violence and their children, and the money was part of a fund-raiser for the private, nonprofit group.

"We depend on donations such as this," said Grace Fendlay, executive director of ACTS.

Fendlay said the break-in occurred shortly before midnight Tuesday and that the church's alarm company alerted Baltimore County police.

"Someone cut the screen, lifted up a storm window and came in through the parish assistant's office," said Fendlay. When police arrived moments after the alarm sounded, they did not find anyone on the premises, Fendlay said.

When employees arrived at the church yesterday, they found an office door ajar and the money missing, Fendlay said.

Fendlay said an envelope containing money raised through candy sales for the Special Olympics was also taken.