Thieves puts damper on holiday, steal donation kettle

There is a Grinch on the loose – and this time they have tried to steal Thanksgiving.

“When things like this happen, it just means we aren’t going to be able to help other people,” said Salvation Army Commanding Officer Major Butch Mallard.

Two suspects snatched the charity donation kettle from the Salvation Army stand at Kmart, right in front of volunteer Emil Glenn’s eyes.

It all happened so fast, two men came and unhooked this kettle, then ran off, and got their car before he could see anything.

Unfortunately, this incident managed to spoil some holiday cheer. “That’s horrible. I don’t know what they’re thinking about. It’s just low,” said concerned citizen Kay Bryant.

The suspects may have made off with the kettle, but Glenn told WWAY they are in for a big surprise when they open it up to find only eight dollars in the pot.

Major Butch Mallard told WWAY eight dollars is a lot considering the large amount of people seeking help from the Salvation Army in these hard economic times. “Somebody stealing the kettle, it even hurts even more, that they are taking money that we could be giving to other people.”

Salvation Army volunteers typically empty out the kettles throughout their shift. The thieves picked a time shortly after the kettle was cleared out.

Anyone with information on the suspects or the robbery is asked to call the Wilmington Police department at 343-3620.