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Brazen Thief Makes Off With Food Meant For Needy Long Island Families

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Just before Thanksgiving someone stole food meant for hundreds of needy families on Long Island, but an outpouring of response from the community may replace what the thief took.

Shawn Labero is one of the many residents stepping forward with donated supplies after hearing $20,000 worth of food was stolen last week from the Toys of Hope warehouse in Huntington Station.

"I think it's a shame, I don't know what kind of person would prey on a charitable organization," Labero told CBS2's Hazel Sanchez.

The founder of Toys of Hope said the theft occurred after hours. It's suspected a woman who portrayed herself as an aide worker pried a warehouse door open.

"The lady came and went into the warehouse, went through all the boxes and took the most expensive items," Melissa Doktofsky, said.

The theft outraged long time local Jim McGoldrick and prompted him to make his own donation.

"I think it's deplorable. It's a terrible thing," he said.

To help meet the need a community organization donated $3,000 to help replace the lost shipments.

"The fact that somebody's family won't have food at Thanksgiving is more than we can bear," Trish Rongo, executive director of the Townwide Fund of Huntington, said.

The charity's founder is overwhelmed by the support, but says it still will not replace all that was taken.

"My heart is broken, we work hard every day," Doftofsky said.

The Toys of Hope founder said surveillance may show the thief's vehicle and the video will be turned over to police.

Toys of Hope said the stolen food could have fed 170 families on Thanksgiving.

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