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Founder Of NJ Charity Wakes Up To Find Luggage For College Stolen

PITMAN, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New Jersey teen who founded a charity that donates clothing to the needy found all her luggage for college stolen from the back of her mom's sport utility vehicle, which was parked in their driveway.

The back window was smashed and all of the items 18-year-old Katelyn Darrow planned to take with her from Pitman to California were gone Wednesday.

"Everything was gone," Darrow told WCBS 880's Marla Diamond. "The night before we had packed up the whole entire car, it was literally filled to the brim. My suitcases, my boxes, everything that I had packed for college was gone."

Luggage Stolen From College Bound Teen

The teen has spent much of her young life helping others.

"It is strange to find myself in this situation, it's a bit odd," Darrow said.

A fire destroyed her family home when she was 9 years old and the generosity of others motivated her to establish Angels of God Clothing Closet when she was 12.

"We have clients who are literally living in their car, living in homeless shelters, people who are facing much harder trials than I am," Darrow said.

Her charitable work has given her some perspective.

"It's just items and these things can be replaced," Darrow said.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help Darrow replace the clothing, books and camera that were stolen.

Darrow said she has been moved by the outpouring of support and donations since her story went public.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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