Donors Replace Toys Stolen From Shelter

As far as burglaries go, this one ranked right up there with what a nasty creature named Grinch once tried to do.

Two weekends ago, about $1,000 worth of toys intended for needy children were stolen from a North Hollywood homeless shelter.

But due to efforts by the LAPD, area businesses, community groups and even schoolchildren, the Christmas gift-giving tradition at the L.A. Family Housing Corp. will go on.

“The outpouring of support in the community, when people heard about this [burglary], just floored me,” said Jeff Farber, assistant director of the nonprofit corporation that provides housing and services for homeless families.

Sometime between Dec. 10 and 13, someone broke into an office at the corporation’s Sydney M. Irmas Transitional Living Center, at 7843 Lankershim Blvd. The crime is still under investigation.

“It was devastating to find the toys gone,” Farber said. “For someone to take toys from a shelter where homeless children live, it’s one of the most mean-spirited acts you can imagine.”

But the shelter’s staff decided to call out to the community for help. At about the same time, LAPD officers who heard about the burglary also sprang into action.

Over the last few days, congregants from a nearby synagogue brought in toys. Students from a seventh-grade class donated stuffed animals and dolls. Area businesses donated more toys. Individuals who gave one toy a year in the past brought in two or three, Farber said.

On Tuesday, Sgt. Bill Martin and Officer Billy Row of LAPD’s North Hollywood Division arrived at the shelter and began lugging boxes of toys--donated by Robertson Honda, North Hollywood Toyota and East Valley Police Activity League Supporters--from their police van.

“We feel for the kids, our hearts go out to them,” said Martin, who was moved after he saw a crime report about the theft.

The police brought in about 125 assorted playthings, such as soccer balls and stuffed animals--the largest donation the center has received since the theft.

“We were able to basically replace what was stolen,” Martin said.

The toys will be given to kids at the corporation’s buildings starting today, but the drive isn’t over--only about 60% of the goal of toys for 700 children has been met, Farber said.

Anyone who would like to give a toy may call (818) 982-4091, or go to the Lankershim Boulevard center.