Grinch robs Marble Falls toy drive

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) - Highland Lakes Christmas is for Kids volunteers returned to their toy stockpile at Marble Falls Middle School Saturday morning to find Grinch or Grinches had robbed them.

"It is like stealing from a child," said Robben Thompson, a founder of the drive.

On Friday, volunteers finished off their shopping and dropped off the gifts at Marble Falls Middle School on Pony Circle. On Saturday morning, volunteers planned to categorize and wrap the presents for needy families to pick up later in the day.

Among the missing items were diapers, play sets, fleece jackets and a bicycle.

"We weren't in terrific condition this year to begin with," said Thompson.  "We didn't need to make a run to Walmart like that."

Thompson said the request for need was up by more than 10 percent this year and reserve funds were already stretched thin.

Volunteers did manage to replace the stolen items, but this crime will impact next year's drive because there will be less money to spend.  Volunteers try to shop sales year round to make sure there are enough items to distribute.

Thompson said there was no need for anyone to commit a crime because volunteers would have gladly given out any of the items to those in need of help.

Marble Falls police are looking for the Grinch or Grinches. No arrests have been made in the case yet.

Donations and checks can be sent to the Highland Lakes Christmas is for Kids, P.O. Box 1750 Marble Falls, TX 78654.

Anyone with any information about this case is urged to call Hill Country Crime Stoppers at 1-866-756-TIPS (8477) or Marble Falls police at 830-693-3611.