On Wednesday, we reported about thieves posing as volunteers who got away with thousands of dollars worth of toys at a local Toys for Tots program.
One day later, that loss turned into so much more as Akron Police and the community rallied to give back to First Faith Development Corporation on Easter Ave.
It was a holiday gift delivered at just the right time.
Akron police officers unloaded a trailer packed with toys – at the same place they were called this week after thieves got away with thousands of dollars worth of toys.
"You know, you go out and take the report of the unfortunate circumstances and almost within a 24 hour period we’re able to make a phone call and say ‘hey, we’ve got your back. We’re able to do it," said Frank Williams, president of the Akron FOP Lodge #7
A donation of about eight boxes filled with toys and books. It was a moment that left a team of volunteers in tears.
"I told you what the lord was getting ready to do. You take from us and the lord is going to multiply. And that’s what he did. He did it. He did it," cried Toys for Tots volunteer Carolyn Holsey.
It was a sigh of relief and an overwhelming feeling of a community’s support.
"I’m seeing what God is doing for our community and how he’s bringing us together. It’s like prayers are being answered," said Toys for Tots Akron Volunteer Director Traci Higginbottom-Williams.
Donations have been rolling in from community members, non profits and national organizations, including a $5,000 gift from ebay which has set up several programs in the city over the past year.
"We've really developed such a strong relationship with Akron, and that goes for so many people here at ebay," said Chris Librie, Head of Global Impact and Giving at ebay.
And the calls of support have come from across the country.
"We’ve been receiving calls from Detroit, Cedar Rapids, Indianapolis. This whole country has come out to help in this potentially dark time," said Staff Sgt. Philip Greer, Toys for Tots Summit County Coordinator.
The impact continues to climb. The local program could hit record donations this year and potentially serve 16,000 kids in the Summit County area.
Police said they are still trying to locate the people involved in the theft. While the search continues, volunteers believe justice is served when a community shows how they come together during a time of need.