SNOHOMISH, Wash. — The volunteer board of the North Snohomish Little League was supposed to be putting together equipment bags this week to serve the 300-plus boys and girls who play softball and baseball. But thieves broke into the storage container and stole thousands of dollars in brand-new bats, gloves and helmets.
“You walk up to find this lock cut (and) sitting in the grass in the snow,” board member Michelle Unrue said. “And your heart just kind of sinks.”
They made the discovery Thursday ahead of the tryouts over the weekend. Coaches were supposed to get their equipment bags this coming weekend.
“To be a person who comes out to steal from kids in the community, it breaks my heart,” Darren Unrue said.
At the end of last season, the Seattle Mariners and Scotts, the lawn company, donated the brand-new gear. Now it’s all gone.
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“We were really excited to put new helmets in the kids' bags,” Unrue said as she held an older helmet the thieves left behind. “Because I don't know about you but I wouldn't be super excited to put my kid’s head in this helmet.”
The gate to get into the complex was closed and locked to keep people out, but whoever stole the stuff must have just lifted it over the fence to a waiting vehicle.
This is a big setback for families in need. North Snohomish Little League prides itself on helping out families with financial setbacks. And that equipment was stolen.
“Maybe they need some extra equipment, even some of the simple things that some of us look past,” Darren said. “So, it's important to have those things to provide and help out where needed. And some of that was what was stolen. Absolutely, yes it was.
They've set up a GoFundMe page with the goal of raising about $3,000, and they're asking people to report if they see a bunch of brand-new Little League equipment for sale.
“Hey, wait a second,” Unrue said, hoping people will take notice. “Why does this person have so many brand new gloves. Then hopefully alert us so we can get them back.”
Cox Media Group
