A Theft Of Grinch-Like Proportions In Central Indiana, Months Before Christmas
CHICAGO (CBS) -- An unknown suspect stole earlier this week from an Alexandria Toy Drive's storage unit in Indiana.
As president of the Alexandria Toy Drive, Terri Brenner and other volunteers collect all types of gifts throughout the year to give to Indiana families in need during the holidays, WBBM's Andy Dahn reports.
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"You know you have families that say I forgot," Brenner said. "I did not remember. I've just lost my job."
The left over toys are then put in storage for a rummage sale, schedule for this weekend. But Brenner said their supply of toys took a hit this week.
The group made a disturbing discovery when they noticed one of the storage units was open.
"Somebody had gotten in there and stolen all the toys," Brenner said. "They had taken what we had."
$13,000 worth of board games, dolls and remote control cars were stolen from one of the drive's storage units.
"It's a sad situation for such a small town," Brenner said.
After word spread throughout Alexandria, some of the toys were returned to the unit, though many are still missing. While that is a small piece of consolation, Brenner had a message for those thinking of taking from toy drives.
"Don't do it, if you need it bad enough, go to somebody that can help you out, it's not fair to these kids," Brenner said. "We fight for our donations, we work hard to get them and to have somebody walk off with all that stuff, it's terrible."
The Toy Drive has been operating since 1994. Police are still searching for the thieves responsible.
