A Salvation Army warehouse in Vancouver has been hit by heartless thieves just three weeks before Christmas. As many as 90 boxes of toys destined for needy teenagers were stolen on Wednesday night from the charity's Fraser Street location.
Major Brian Venables says the crooks grabbed the most expensive gifts, such as MP3 players and karaoke machines.
"To take this much at this time is a big hit to the Salvation Army," he says.
Major Ken Ritson says the robbery has dampened the team's spirits for the holidays.
"The team's feeling sad, but they actually feel sorry for the person that did it because you have to say to yourself, what does their conscience say to them," says Ritson.
If stealing children's toys wasn't bad enough, those responsible also emptied a couple of freezers filled with meat and turkeys -- and what they didn't take -- they left out in the open to thaw. The defrosted food will have to be thrown out.
Salvation Army estimates $25,000 worth of food and toys were stolen. It is hoping news of the theft will spur donations -- especially gifts of cash.
If you would like to help the Salvation Army make a difference in a needy Metro Vancouver child's life this Christmas, drop off a toy at the CTV Toy Drive. Located in the lobby of the broadcast studios of CTV British Columbia at the corner of Robson and Burrard in Vancouver.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Reshmi Nair
