Burglars Rob Charity of Van, Equipment

A charity that feeds thousands of hungry people each month was hit by burglars last weekend and lost a van, computer and copier.

Karen McGlinn, director of Share Our Selves, said that thieves broke through the wall of the building at 1550 Superior Ave.

“They backed our van up to the door and just filled up,” McGlinn said. “It was very disappointing.”

A volunteer discovered the break-in Saturday afternoon and police are now investigating, she said.

The thieves tossed calculators, packages of cereal and dried food in with the more valuable items, McGlinn said.

People around the county have called to offer help, she said. One person lent a van, which is now used to pick up food donated by bakeries and stores.

Another person offered to do copying work for free, and Taco Bell, a regular supporter, lent a computer, McGlinn said. “We have a really wonderful base of support in this county and they just never seem to fail us,” she said.

SOS, as the 23-year-old nonprofit agency is known, serves about 22,000 bag lunches to homeless people each month and gives out about 8,000 packages of groceries to the poor.

The agency also runs a dental clinic--the only free one in the county--which serves more than 400 people each month. In addition, its medical clinic serves about 1,200 people each month, McGlinn said. SOS also provides financial assistance.

SOS was founded by about 150 parishioners of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, McGlinn said.

For more information about SOS, call (714) 642-3451.