Foundation that helps students, teachers in need asks for help after break-in
Jan 4, 2024, 9:00 PM
WEST VALLEY CITY — Thousands of dollars worth of toys and clothing for kids in need were stolen from the Granite Education Foundation’s donation and distribution center on Christmas Eve.
Chief Executive Director Jadee Talbot said the thieves used a rock to break open the front door. A neighbor next door noticed the broken glass and called 911.
“The thieves entered and took a lot of clothing, a lot of winter clothing, and unfortunately, some toys and fun things that we had set aside for impoverished kids in our district,” Talbot said.
He estimates the thieves stole more than $40,000 worth of clothing and toys. Talbot said the break-in happened after the weeks leading up to the holidays, when volunteers and donors go above and beyond to gather and stock up on items.
“When you take a step back, and you think, that’s who ultimately pays for the price for this, are these kids in need but also, the volunteers and our donors that give so much time, money, effort, energy, love,” he said.
Talbot said the foundation was well-stocked with winter clothing especially, but the thieves took a lot of it straight off the warehouse’s shelves.
“How do we get the kids who need it through these cold months?” he said.
