A semi-truck filled with Toys for Tots donations was stolen

Who would steal toys from needy kids? That’s the question on social media after a semi-truck full of toys was stolen from Toys for Tots on Friday, Dec. 8.

“Someone managed to gain access to the facility,” said Gregg Gardiner, the coordinator for Toys for Tots for Northern California. “They managed to steal a truck from a construction company, a semi-truck, come over to our warehouse and use a bolt cutter to get into our warehouse, and then take toys.”

This local Toys for Tots chapter serves thousands of children in Northern California. They collect toys and donations to make sure low-income families in our area have toys for all their children come Christmas morning. The semi that was stolen contained toys and essentials for older kids.

“We’re going to make sure somehow that we pull this together so that not a single child is impacted,” Gardiner said. “That’s our mission. That’s what we do. We’re [a] 100% volunteer organization.”

The thieves drove the semi through a gate to get away and abandoned it. When the truck was found it was empty and with many presents and hours of volunteer time sorting through the donations. Toys for Tots only has a few days before distribution begins on Friday and they plan to continue their mission to help families make their children feel special on Christmas day. 

“At first I was angry and then I started thinking about our community,” Gardiner said. “And I think about all the supporters that help us all year long to make this program possible to service all these kids and all these counties. I think about the folks that donate trucks to move our goods, I look at all that stuff and I think to myself, you know, maybe it’s time to turn the frown upside down. Let’s be grateful for these great people who help us so much.”

This is the first time in the organization’s history that they’ve dealt with a serious theft like this. If you’d like to donate a toy or money, we have a link to their donation information on our website, look under the links we mentioned. As a reminder, 100% of the toys and money donated in our area, stays in our area.

UPDATE: Felon arrested in Toys for Tots theft