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Toys for Tots reported to police this week that Toys “R” Us locations in White Plains and Yonkers had a collection stolen by someone claiming to work for the organization. A collection from Modell’s in Yonkers was also taken.
According to Toys for Tots, they’ve since emailed warnings to donation locations, though the scammers are now calling ahead to make arrangements to pick up the donations, claiming they are from the organization, though they are not. Volunteers were able to save a collection from Babies “R” Us, when an alert manager realize the scam was on.
Volunteers have been working since October, signing up collection toy stations and bringing in donations for teens and infants in need throughout Westchester. Some of the toys have since been recovered, but “most were not.”
“We started out angry, but now we are simply disappointed that an organized effort was made to steal from kids that have nothing,” Toys for Tots volunteers stated. “The trust is strained with our donors who leave gifts at collection locations, as well as those that host boxes for us. No one wants to deal with theft or police.”
Police confirmed that an alleged suspect is currently in custody as the investigation into the stolen donations continues.
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