Thieves swipe Christmas gifts from Vancouver Salvation Army
Heartless thieves have hit the Salvation Army warehouse in East Vancouver, just three weeks before Christmas, making off with 90 boxes of gifts meant especially for teenagers.
About $25,000 worth of MP3 players and karaoke machines was stolen Wednesday night, according to Maj. Brian Venables, divisional secretary for public relations and development.
"It is gifts from the community," Venable said. "People have given from themselves to help make sure Christmas happens for a lot of children in the community, and now we are going to have to start over collecting toys."
To donate, contact the Salvation Army at (604) 872-7676 during office hours.
Meat and turkeys were also taken from nearby freezers, and what wasn't stolen was left to thaw, so it had to be thrown out, said Venables.
The Salvation Army is hoping news of the theft will spur donations, especially gifts of cash, so organizers can replace the stolen electronics and other high-tech gifts.