Grinch grabs gifts from Marble Falls toy drive, but that doesn’t stop Christmas effort
MARBLE FALLS — After a Grinch looted a local toy drive last week, some local “elves” came forward to put much-needed funds into the coffers of Highland Lakes Christmas is for Kids.
“We had two great donations come in this week,” said Robben Thompson, a leader of the nonprofit that provides gifts for children who otherwise might not have a holiday due to economic or other reasons. “It kind of restores your faith in human beings.”
After thieves or a thief made off with five boxes of diapers, two PlaySkool infant play sets and several children’s coats sometime during the night Dec. 16, Thompson was upset by the action, but said it wouldn’t keep volunteers from from spreading holiday cheer to children in need.
On Dec. 21, Dr. Gene Kirby and his wife Gerry of Marble Falls donated $500 to the organization. Then state Sen. Troy Fraser of Horseshoe Bay added another $500.
“It helps replace what was lost, but it also helps us replace some of the money we carry over into next year to purchase gifts during the summer,” Thompson said Dec. 23.
The case began after volunteers gathered at Marble Falls Middle School, 1511 Pony Circle, Dec. 16 to sort and prepare for next-day distribution of the presents, said police Capt. Glenn Hanson.
When the organizers arrived the following morning for the delivery, several items were gone.
“We would have given them (thieves) what they needed,” she said Dec. 19. “To have them steal it is beyond words.”
The theft astonished Thompson because the organization would have helped anyone who needed assistance — all they had to do is ask.
“I cannot tolerate (the items) being stolen from the system we are using to help so many other people,” she said.
Hanson said there was no sign of forced entry, but investigators are pursuing some leads.
When organizers realized the items were missing, they went out and purchased replacements.
While they met this year’s needs, the thefts will have an impact on the Christmas effort in 2012.
The organization tries to set aside funds every Christmas to use during the coming year for buying gifts.
Even with the two “generous” donations, Thompson said the organization’s coffers are still extremely low. While the program is a Christmas event, volunteers and organizers shop for toys and children’s clothing throughout the year.
Thompson said this year, the program served 253 families with 653 children.
Donations and checks can be sent to the Highland Lakes Christmas is for Kids, P.O. Box 1750 Marble Falls, TX 78654.
Anybody with information on the theft can contact Hill Country Crime Stoppers at 1-866-756-TIPS (8477) or police at (830) 693-3611.
Staff Writer Connie Swinney contributed to this story.