Story Published:
Jun 30, 2009 at 11:13 PM CST
Story Updated:
Jul 2, 2009 at 3:07 PM CST
SPRINGFIELD -- City police released a security camera photo on Thursday in an attempt to find the man who stole jars with donated change for the local Children's Miracle Network chapter.
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(June 30) )SPRINGFIELD -- It's an unthinkable crime but it has happened again. Someone has taken change jars meant to collect money for sick kids.
You may have seen their young faces and heard their anguished parents.
"There's no way to explain what you feel unless you've had a child that goes through cancer," said Clay Kincaid, whose daughter was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma at age 2.
The Children's Miracle Network helps kids, like Brooke, who face life's most challenging health problems: illnesses ranging from cancer to diabetes to muscular dystrophy. Aside from its annual telethon on the first weekend of June, CMN raises money from change boxes placed on convenience store counters.
When CMN employees went to pick up collections after the weekend, they left empty handed. Someone swiped not one but three canisters.
The canisters were at Kum & Go stores at 1605 E. Kearney St., 2963 E.
Division St., and 620 N. National Ave.
"That's hurting thousands of local kids," said Heather Zoromski, executive director of CoxHealth's CMN affiliate.
The thefts were between June 27 and June 30. Reports were filed with the police and they're taking it seriously.
"There appears to be over a $1,000 theft here," said Springfield Police Major Kevin Routh.
Over a year's time, that money amounts to much more.
"It may not seem like much but these canisters raise about $17,000 for us every year," said Zoromski.
More importantly, the donations help CMN to provide kids with equipment they desperately need to overcome obstacles.
"Leg braces, wheelchairs, glasses, hearing aids -- anything that a child needs that is medically necessary,” Zoromski said.
Though this isn't the first time someone has stolen a change box meant to help children, it always leaves CMN employees dismayed and asking who could do such a thing.
"It's really heartbreaking, really heartbreaking, because that may be a family that we have to tell no and I don't want to tell somebody no,” said Zoromski.
CMN employees will check dozens of stores starting Wednesday to see whether more canisters were taken.
Police
say the thief appears to be a stocky man, black, 5-foot-10 to 6-foot-1, 200-230 pounds, 25-35 years old, and possibly named James. Anyone with information can call police at (417) 864-1810 or 864-TIPS.
