Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Durham hit by burglars
The Salvation Army's Boys and Girls Club is known for helping people in need and now the organization itself needs help.
Burglars stole thousands of dollars' worth of equipment on Tuesday night from its building at 810 North Alston Ave., just east of downtown Durham.
More than 150 boys and girls spend their afternoons and weekends at the facility at after-school programs and sports leagues.
"It's [really] heartbreaking, man," said Club Director Joshua Dorsette.
Dorsette said he noticed some items were missing earlier this week.
Reviewing surveillance video, which the Salvation Army says it could not share with us, he found multiple burglars had come in over at least six nights.
Dorsette says he recognizes the suspects as people who frequent the area.
"We're still noticing that we're missing stuff, but for sure they stole four Chromebook laptops that we use for homework and Zoom," he said. "They took an Xbox, PlayStation 3. They took personal items out of my office, [a] toolbox, fishing kits [and] bikes."
With the missing items, the kids' programs are impacted.
"The older kids that can understand, we kind of use it as a visual learning opportunity, to say, 'Look, man, this is the reason why we're here,'" Dorsette said.
The staff is committed to continuing its mission of doing the most good.. even with fewer resources.
"I want to talk to the person that did it and see what's up, but we're going to keep pushing," Dorsette said.
WRAL News is waiting to hear back from Durham police to learn if arrests have been made.
To learn how to help replace the stolen items, visit the Salvation Army's website.
