TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - Mom's House, a childcare center in Toledo that helps low-income, single moms graduate and college, was the target of a burglary overnight Sunday.
Staff members discovered the damage and thefts Monday morning at the Franklin Avenue facility.
Major damage was done to an entryway of the building and more than a month's supply of food was stolen from the pantry. Commercial kitchen appliances including cookers and a microwaves were taken along with various electronics and computers, some which were the children's educational tablets.
"It's overwhelmingly disappointing to our organization and the people we serve," said Executive Director Christina Rodriguez. "Our organization utilizes commercial appliances to cook meals daily for our kids and the in-classroom tablets serve as essential teaching tools for our teachers and kids."
Rodriguez estimates damages to the building and the items stolen total more than $10,000.
"We do our best to secure the space and have security systems and plans in place to help protect against these things. They managed to remove the back door and help themselves to things that were supposed to go to helping moms and kids."
The organization's leadership and board have taken steps to maintain normal operations.
"The safety and care for our staff, moms and their kids are our first concern," said Mike Kruse, Mom's House board chairman. "Daytime security and operations are not compromised, and the building will be secured by this evening. We are making the necessary adjustments to meet our mission."
In light of the theft, Mom's House is actively seeking donations to replace the lost equipment and repair the facility.
"We need commercial kitchen appliances to serve our kids and we are working now to install a new door and fix damage to the building," said Rodriguez. "These things cost money, and this is money we did not anticipate spending."
