Kristen's Kookies owner Kristen Boyles was working in the back kitchen of her bakery on Wednesday, when she was approached by one of her employees.

"One of the girls that works up front came back and said someone was looking for an application," said Boyles.  "When she came back up to the front, the woman was gone."

Moments later, Boyles decided to check her security camera.

"To see someone take that from my staff that I love so much, is hard." said Boyles.

In the video, the woman is seen taking cash out of the workers tip jar after the employee is out of sight.

The woman is then seen stuffing the cash into her back pocket, before leaving the building.

Boyles says she made off with $48.

"It's just heartbreaking because these girls that work for me, they work hard for that money," said Boyles.  "I have one that is pregnant, I have one that's sending a kid to college.  They rely on that tip money."

Boyles then posted surveillance pictures to Facebook and called the Meadville Police Department.

"They were down her really quick," said Boyles.  "As soon as I showed him the video, he knew who she was."

Police identify the suspect as Christina Wilson.  She's charged with theft by unlawful taking.

Ever since this incident, Kristen says members of this community have stopped by her shop, to show their support.

As Boyles spoke with police, an employee from S&H Smoke Shop stopped by and replenished the tip money that was stolen.

"He brought a money bag in and he was dumping it in and I was like you don't have to do that," said Boyles.  "He was like I know.  I know I don't have to do it but I know what it's like, and I just want to help you guys."

Boyles says the act of generosity speaks volumes of the Meadville business community.

"To know that the other small businesses have your back, that was just really very sweet," said Boyles.  "We support each other and that's great."

This story is supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.