LACEY, Wash. — Gabi’s Kids, a charity based in Lacey, had a space broken into last week where someone stole several items they donate to those in need like food, jackets, tents, etc.
Owner Gabrielle Shepard says not only did they have some of that stuff stolen, but some items were also ruined from the break-in and she had to pay over $1,300 to replace the door completely.
“And it’s pricey and it’s frustrating,” Shephard said.
This isn’t the first time Shephard has dealt with a break-in. KIRO 7 reported in October of 2023 that thieves used a pickup truck like a battering ram to smash into her comic book store and steal thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.
Although this was a setback for Shephard’s charity, she says when the community heard about the break-in, they rallied around her to help.
“I can never say enough good stuff about how they have got us through a lot of the stuff that has happened,” Shephard said.
She says they’ve also been able to help out hundreds of families through Gabi’s Kids. She says they try to focus on giving kids something they want and need, something to wear and something to read.
Kevin Threlkeld with Gabi’s Kids says it is always a positive to be able to help families have happy holidays.
“As a kid, you wake up on Christmas morning and you get something special that you may not have been able to get before. And so that is something we get to perpetuate,” Threlkeld said.
The group does giveaways and charitable events year-round.
If you’d like to donate, reach out to Gabi’s Kids here.
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