Thieves have made off with the safe from Ambleside's Oxfam shop during the early hours of Monday morning.
It's thought they got in to the shop on Church Street by forcing a back-room window, and left with the safe through the front door.
Shop Manager, Deborah Monshin said: "Fortunately only a very small sum of cash was stolen as we do not keep our takings on site.
"Several local businesses were targeted a few months ago, after which I decided it would be wise to remove that risk from our shop. The thieves obviously thought they were going to enjoy our entire weekend’s takings and I am delighted to disappoint them.
"My volunteers are extremely upset as they dedicate their time and hard work to support Oxfam to end poverty, both abroad and in the UK. My volunteers work over 100 hours a week to keep our Ambleside shop open and stocked with a variety of donated goods, and we are very fortunate to have loyal local donors.
"This is a blow to everyone in Ambleside who support Oxfam’s work. It will cost us over £600 to replace the safe. I would like to appeal to everyone in Ambleside to report anything they may have seen or heard to the police on 101.
"It is believed that the thieves are part of a gang that have targeted several small towns and business over previous weeks."
Deborah added they're also appealing for more volunteers, especially at weekends. Anyone who can spare two hours a week is being asked to contact her by emailing oxfamshopf0307@oxfam.org.uk , or by calling in.