Newnan police: Grinches steal presents for needy kids

NEWNAN, Ga. - Newnan police are looking for several thieves who are real Grinches, and swiped Christmas presents for needy children.

Police said the thieves, seen in surveillance video given to FOX 5, broke into non-profit Bridging the Gap and stole eight bikes; police were able to recover several that were dumped, nearby.

The charity also told FOX 5 the thieves took off with a television, a guitar and food for the needy.

"I was sad. I was sad for the people that stole from us," said Alison Wallace of Bridging the Gap, which has helped needy families in Coweta County since 2009.

The charity provides food, clothing and showers for the less fortunate, as well as hundreds of prepared meals for the homeless each week. Every Christmas, the charity partners with other nonprofits to put on Christmas on Coweta, which distributes 1,300 toys for children who may not get a present this year.

"It's really not about what they stole. It's the fact that they took things I would have gladly given them," Wallace said, who hopes the thieves will apply for toy donations, next year.

Anyone who wants to donate to Bridging the Gap can contact the charity at (770) 683-9110, located at 19 1st Ave. in Newnan, or visit www.btgcommunity.org.

People can also stop by The Glow Light Your World Fun Run in Newnan on Sunday, and drop off toys from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Belk Corridor in Ashley Park.