This browser does not support the Video element.
South Side organization trying to recover after toys were stolen from gift drive
A South Side community organization is trying to recover after toys were stolen from their community gift drive.
CHICAGO - Just weeks before a huge holiday giveaway for Chicagoland families, someone swiped all the gifts.
A 53-foot shipping container donated by CSX Railroad was stolen from a lot in Englewood, along with the thousands of gifts inside.
"Now we don't know what we're going to do because we came over here and lo and behold the container is now missing and the container was filled to about 80 percent of the donations we've already collected," said Delece Williams, President of Kidz Korna.
On Monday morning, Williams stood with many of her community partners who have worked all year to fill that container with donations to hand out to local families before Christmas.
"The list of stuff that's missing. new clothes, new shoes, new coats, new hats, new gloves, kitchen appliances, gardening and landscaping supplies, lots of school supplies," said Williams, as she rattled off just some of the items in the missing container.
DOWNLOAD THE FOX 32 NEWS APP FOR BREAKING NEWS ALERTS
"We have a lot of senior citizens that are depending on us helping with the grandkids, as well as single parents. Everybody knows that COVID has hit and it's trying times right now and we need to step up and support the people that we can support," said Sharon Preston, Founder of Flags of the Heart.
They have been collecting all year and planned to hand out toys and more along 40 Chicago blocks next month.
"This had to be orchestrated by someone who really is a professional. These kids look so forward to this. It should put a tear in everybody's heart when it comes to the children," said Farley Jackmaster Funk, supporter of Kidz Korna.
"I'm asking that you please donate to the cause because without your donation, she will not be able to fulfill her mission," said Kenya Brown with We Care 2 Agency.
They are hoping for donations of toys and money, plus they hope to eventually get a permanent location so they don't have rely on containers to keep Kidz Korna afloat.
Those who wish to make a donation can visit TheKidzKorna.com to donate money or find toy drop off spots around the Chicago area.