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Burglaries May Mean No Toys For Some Kids

Thieves Break Into Nonprofit Five Times In Month

POSTED: 1:19 pm PST November 18, 2008
UPDATED: 5:25 pm PST November 18, 2008

A nonprofit store that gives toys to families in need was hit by its fifth burglary in a little more than a month, police said.

The nonprofit Toy n Joy was broken into Monday for the fifth time since Oct. 4, said Sgt. Michael LeDuc of the Gresham Police Department.

In most cases, the burglars broke through a window and stole money from a donation jar, LeDuc said.

The thefts have been costly for the store not just because of the money and items stolen but also because repairs to windows and equipment have been necessary after the break-ins, LeDuc said.

Toy n Joy was founded by Portland Fire and Rescue in 1914. In the past, East Multnomah County families would contact the store and each child between 1 and 12 would receive several toys for Christmas, LeDuc said.

Because of the break-ins and thefts, CEO Deborah Hamaker said this year's donations will be limited.

"It's very stressful for the people working here 'cause a lot of kids are going to be suffering this year because all of our money we have to pay out in the damages that we would've used to buy stuff for kids," Hamaker said.

The Gresham Police Department will be increasing patrols in the area and asked anyone with information about the crimes to contact the Gresham Police Tip Line.

Burglaries May Mean No Toys For Some Kids

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