53-foot shipping container filled with donated holiday gifts for kids has disappeared

Chicago charities reach out for help from the community after the holiday donations for local families go missing

ErikaWittlieb/pixabay.com

In a real-life Grinch situation, donated gifts meant to go to needy children were taken just weeks before Christmas. A recent report from NBC5 Chicago details the disappearance of a 53-foot shipping container from a parking lot in Englewood. The container was filled with donations from various local groups and collected by the Kidz Korna organization.

On November 19, NBC5 reports that the group discovered the shipping container was gone, with only rusty chains (probably used to load the container) left behind.

What was in the container?

The Founder of Kidz Korna, Delece Williams, told NBC5 the container was full of toys, new clothing and shoes, household appliances, and other items. “People are relying on us," Williams told NBC5. "This year we were more excited because we had a lot of stuff for teenagers. We had jewelry donated to us. We had clothes, all kinds of brand new stuff.”

According to NBC5, donations were made from local groups including CSX Railroad, for its annual Winter Wonderland Driveby and Gift Giveaway Tour and the Flags of the Heart organization.

How to help

Members of the community that would like to help replace the stolen gifts can either donate online through Paypal on the Kidz Korna website or bring items to several drop-off locations.

Toy drop off locations (as listed on the website):

• US Bank, 815 W. 63rd Street, Chicago (Mon thru Fri, 9 AM to 5 PM, Sat. 9 AM to 5 PM)
• Farley's House Music Store, 1301 E. 87th St. Chicago (Mon thru Sat 10 AM to 7 PM - Sun 10 AM to 5 PM)
• Home Run Inn Pizza, 31st and Kedzie, Chicago

What is Kidz Korna's mission?

Since 1994, Kidz Korna has helped to minimize violence and abuse of children by providing programs and resources for the local community.

According to the website, "Our goal is to improve performance in providing strategies of reaching at-risk youth, helping them avoid a life of crime and victimization by creating alternatives for successful living."

The group uses its TV show and youth organization to provide programs and support for at-risk youth and their families.

With Christmas less than a month away, the group is struggling to replace the lost items. “I got so many people that are relying on us each year that I just don’t know how to tell them I don’t have the stuff right now,” Williams told NBC5.

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