Alleged thief makes off with donated toys at Republic’s Dollar General

A man claiming to be with Lutheran Family and Children’s Services made off with a large number of donated toys at the Republic’s Dollar General on Tuesday, Nov. 30. The toys were meant to be Christmas presents for area children whose families are struggling financially this season.
Chief Brian Sells of the Republic Police Department described the suspect in the theft as an “older male, wearing a camo hat, black sunglasses, and a grey hoodie with what appeared to be an American flag.”
Sells added that the man told Dollar General employees that he was “with Lutheran Children and Family Services.” As a result, the employees gave him the toys. It is not known how many toys the alleged thief took but Sells said he was given “several bags.”
At present, Sells said, the department has no leads on who the man is. Anyone with information on his identity is asked to call the Republic Police Department at 417-732-3900. Sells added that anyone who thinks they may be witnessing suspicious activity should call 911 immediately.
Krista Adams, development officer for Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, said she found it “disappointing” that someone would steal from disadvantaged children.
“We're just really disappointed that someone would choose to do this and steal from children,” she said. “It's really disappointing … especially at this time of year. We exist to help families and to provide services to help them parent their children better and … part of the way that we help families is to provide a nice Christmas for them every year.”
At present, Adams said, Lutheran Family and Children’s Services is working with other organizations to replace the toys which were stolen, but anyone who would like to help with a donation can do so online at www.lfcso.org/christmas.