WATERTOWN -- Police are asking for the public's help to find a true Grinch.
According to Watertown Police, on Monday there were about 36 wrapped gifts stolen from the First Congregational Church, located at 40 DeForest Street in Watertown. The church was locked at the time of the robbery, which occurred between 3 and 4 p.m., and the unknown person broke in.
Senior Deacon Beverly Nichols said it was a church secretary who first noticed the gifts were missing.
Members of the church and community had donated specific gifts for 80 children total for their annual "Angel Tree" drive. About half of the gifts they planned to deliver to Wellmore Behavioral Health's Nurturing Families Network in Waterbury were stolen.
The thief also stole two bags of irreplaceable baby blankets handmade by the church's Prayer Shawl group.
"We're a church that focuses on loves and kindness and forgiving, but it's hard not to get angry and disappointed when something like this happens," said Nichols. "You feel violated that someone has been in here and taken something that was intended for something else and to do some good in the world."
The gift collection ended this weekend, so police think the perpetrator knew the pile of gifts would be there. The gifts were things like toys, diapers and clothing for kids.
The community has already responded to help make sure the children still get their gifts, including a $500 donation from the Watertown Police Benevolent Association.
Cecelia Davidson, chairperson of the Wider Missions Committee that organizes the Angel Tree Drive, said a group of church members will go shopping this week to make sure children never know what happened.
Davidson said, "We will replace the gifts. All of them. Make sure they don't go without."
If you saw anything suspicious in that area or have any information on who may be responsible, please call 860-945-5200 or 860-945-9940. All calls are confidential.
