PORT ANGELES — City police Thursday returned most of the items that were recovered earlier this week after they were stolen from the Port Angeles Salvation Army.
Burglars entered an unlocked window of the building early Sunday morning and took at least $1,500 in toys, clothing and gifts destined to be given to children for Christmas.
About a quarter of the merchandise was recovered Tuesday night, police said.
“No new items have been recovered,” Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith said Thursday.
Michael William Tripp, 24, a transient was cited and charged with possession of stolen property Tuesday and must appear in Clallam County District Court. No date had been set Thursday.
Police continue to investigate who burglarized the Salvation Army of toys earmarked for giveaways.
“We’re working through names of persons of interest or suspects,” Smith said.
The stolen goods include bicycles, video games for older children, preschool learning tablets, dolls, socks and underwear.
“We plan to get a smaller amount recovered back by Monday so they can make those toys available [for Christmas],” Smith added.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army has hired a private security company to watch over the office at 206 S. Peabody St., Smith said.
Major Scott Ramsey, co-director of the office, was not immediately available for comment Thursday.
Ramsey has said donations and cash raised — $22,000 as of Wednesday— exceed what was needed to fill the needs of the children registered to receive toys.
Meanwhile, staff at Kokopelli Grill plan to donate tips and salaries from Sunday to the Salvation Army.
Giveaways today, Saturday
About 500 families are scheduled to pick up toys, clothes and food baskets today and Saturday at the Toy and Joy Center at the former Hartnagel Building Supply building at the corner of Race and Front streets.
The remaining toys, clothing, gifts and holiday food baskets will be distributed to the remaining families on a first-come, first-served basis Monday, Ramsey said.
Families can register for the distribution beginning at 9 a.m. Monday at the Salvation Army offices, 206 S. Peabody St.
Children’s gifts and cash donations can be made at the Salvation Army offices, online at https://secure20.salvationarmy.org or by phoning 360-452-7679.
