FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) — In response to the theft of hundreds of coats donated to Fresno children, the Fresno Teachers Association announced that the organization will donate $2,000 to replace winter clothing.
Coats and other winter clothing that were to be donated to children at King Elementary School in West Fresno were stolen Tuesday night from a Central Valley Urban Institute car worker.
“I was absolutely devastated that someone stole these gifts intended for the children and their families,” said Eric Payne, the owner of the car the coats were stolen from.
In a statement from the Fresno Teachers Association, representatives of the organization say they are saddened by the thefts of items intended for local students.
“We are sincerely happy to make this donation,” said Manuel Bonilla, president of the Fresno Teachers Association. “We look forward to working with Urban Institute and our community in the near future to support students in all of our schools.”