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Toys collected for distribution stolen from group
Wednesday, December 05, 2001 By Dan Gigler, Post-Gazette Staff Writer
Adrienne Young tries to plant hope in Pittsburgh neighborhoods plagued by violence. Yesterday, she found that some of her organization's work had been uprooted.
A load of 175 toys, earmarked for the children of area murder victims, was apparently stolen from a garage in Friendship.
"Whoever did this is an ungodly Grinch," Young said. "I don't know how someone could be so heartless."
About 10 days ago, Young's organization, Tree of Hope, which provides counseling and services for families and children of murder victims, received a donation of 175 toys from the local Toys for Tots drive. The toys were to be distributed at a Christmas party Dec. 21.
Tree of Hope had no place to store the toys, so Young asked a friend, Rick Swartz, director of the Bloomfield-Garfield Corp., for help. He offered space in a garage on Coral Street.
Yesterday, a TV news crew was taping a story about Young's organization and asked to see the stash of toys. Swartz went to open the garage and came back and told Young, "Nothing is there."
Young was flabbergasted.
"They didn't even leave one baby doll," she said.
There was no sign of forced entry to the garage. Pittsburgh police were investigating.
Swartz said Citizens Bank has offered to help buy new toys. Those interested in helping may call 412-886-1212 or send donations to Tree of Hope, 5149 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh 15224.
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