School supplies for kids in need stolen from nonprofit

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - For the last decade, the school supplies in a basement in New Rochelle have helped children not only learn but succeed.

Carole Troum is the executive director of Hope Community Services, a nonprofit that aids those in need in lower Westchester County. She said that backpacks and other school supplies were being stored here in preparation for the back-to-school giveaway on Saturday.

But then overnight on Monday, someone stole approximately 300 backpacks valued at around $10,000. The thieves broke in through some doors that have now been chained and padlocked.

But the real loss will be felt by hundreds of children. With the backpack giveaway only days away, Carole began to worry she wouldn't have enough to give. But then word about the burglary began to spread and something incredible happened: donations began pouring in. Carole said the response has been incredible.

Hope Community Services is planning to give away school supplies to at least 2000 children. While the group hasn't recouped all the losses, Carole is hopeful they won't have to turn anyone away.

Because the backpack giveaway is so soon, organizers said that if you want to help your best bet is to go hopecommunityservices.org and make a donation.