Thief Steals Thousands in Baby Items From Pregnancy Center

State   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Nov 22, 2011   |   8:11PM   |   Springfield, MO

Someone stole thousands of dollars worth of baby clothes, diapers formula and other provisions the pregnancy center in Springfield, Missouri planned to provide pregnant women this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

KY3 News reports on the incident and pro-life advocates are encouraged to make a donation to the pregnancy center to help it help women and children during the next several weeks:

The Pregnancy Care Center on East Primrose Street is a place where expectant mothers in crisis come for help.

“Healthy pregnancy classes, relationship classes, budgeting, all kinds of great things to help a young woman move up from a crisis to being in control of her life and planning for the future as a mom,” said Pregnancy Care Center chief executive officer Cindi Boston.

Each woman who goes through the programs get a basket full of brand new baby supplies. “They often don’t have most of the things they need,” Boston said.

Now, the Pregnancy Care Center’s supply is nearly wiped out. “The robber came in and broke through this opening door and crawled into the storage room,” Boston said.

About $6,300 worth of baby clothes, blankets, diapers, wipes, bottles and more are gone. “The racks were absolutely packed for the holidays,” Boston said.

It happened around 9:15 Monday morning. A woman, recorded on surveillance video, boldly carried out the donated supplies and drove off. A staff member saw the woman, in her 20s or early 30s, carrying some baby supplies out, drop some in the parking lot, and then throw them into an older model minivan, either tan or dirty green in color. The staff member first thought the woman must be a volunteer delivering supplies.

It’s sad news to those dedicated to helping the expectant moms. “The items donated are expensive items. People give caringly to help our young clients,” said Boston.

It’s quite a setback for a place where giving happens all year round. “It’s just so sad to think that somebody would take from those who are in need,” said Boston.

Staff believe the burglar had been in the building before since she knew where the baby items were and how to get to them. Pregnancy Care Center does have a lot of volunteers, but they don’t suspect any of them. Each volunteer undergoes a background check.

The crime occurs as pregnancy centers are increasingly being relied on as abortion businesses and abortion referrals centers close up shop. in Missouri.

LifeNews encourages readers to go to the pregnancy center’s web site and make a donation.