Thousands of Christmas Gift Donations Stolen from Luther Community

Jacqueline Sit, News 9

LUTHER, Oklahoma -- A Luther community center is facing even a tougher time after a Grinch stole their Christmas presents for families in need.

Ruby Stahl said the building where they store their more valuable belongings has been burglarized three to five times in the last few weeks.

"They took electric toothbrushes, clothes, toilet paper, napkins, our Christmas decorations we use for our holiday dinners, they stole nearly $8,000 worth of basic necessities our families really need," Stahl said.

The volunteer/organizer has been working with the center for more than 20 years and has never seen anything to this extent.

"This really breaks my heart, to the thieves, this may mean nothing but to the kids and families here, this is a luxury," Stahl said. "It's nice to have things they can't afford, we're in a real low income area, good good people but very low income."

With the holidays around the corner, the 75-year-old said this is going to have a significant impact on the 1,000 families the community serves every month.

"We need a lot of new toys and clothes or many kids will have to go without a Christmas this year," Stahl said.

"Sometimes you aint got no money for the kids to get any Christmas presents," said Deborah Moody, who receives help from center.

Without the center's help, this mother of three isn't sure if Christmas will happen for her children.

"I wouldn't know what to do, it'll be hard," Moody said.

"Anything we give out for the holidays for Christmas, it has to have a tag on it which is brand new because most of our kids only get used clothes all year long. And we want them to have the best for the holidays," Stahl said.

To give those families and kids a Christmas this year, that's her only wish. For now, the 75-year-old can only hope and pray.

Stahl said because the center has served so many in the community, she believes somebody outside of town may have committed the crimes.