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At approximately 6 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25, the burglary was reported at the Bridgeport East End Community Center and Food Pantry at 1149 Stratford Ave.
According to the responding officer, approximately $1,500 to 2,000 worth of toys were taken from the pantry.
The door had a sign “Santa’s last stop” and the toys were going to be handed out ton Christmas Day.
The ECC Supervisors alerted Bridgeport EOC Director Scott Appleby, who in turn contacted members of the Marilyn Goldstone Foundation: Nick Ortiz, president, John Vazzano, vice president and Bill Schietinger, treasurer.
These agencies all work together, along with the Bridgeport Fire and Police departments, and had just completed a toy drive on Friday, Dec. 20 and delivered toys on Sunday, Dec. 23 to those in need.
Vazzano and Schietinger sprung into action and arranged to deliver toys to those girls and boys who had been scheduled to receive the stolen gifts.
"Through these immediate actions, what began as a tragic incident has now spread to a holiday cheer.," Terron L Jones of the Bridgeport Police Department said.
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