Donations Pour In For Victimized Modesto Catholic Church

MODESTO (CBS13) — There's been an outpouring of generosity in response to a Modesto Catholic church's donation box being stolen last week.

A special holiday delivery came in a red truck on Tuesday — dozens of toys for St. Stanislaus Catholic Church after a thief swiped the donation box filled with almost $1,500, money that was supposed to go to help 170 families this holiday season.

When employees at the Modesto Toyota dealership heard about the Grinch-like act, they collected enough money to replace what thieves stole.

"It's a feel-good story finally," said Robert Minter of Modesto Toyota. "We just couldn't believe someone would steal from the kids and the poor. It had to be the lowest of lows."

So the dealership delivered a check and a truck full of toys.

Deacon Jim Kottinger couldn't be happier.

"It's wonderful to see how the community comes together when a tragedy happens and their hearts go out to children who aren't going to have anything," he said.

And it's not just the dealership. Big and small, gifts have been piling up from people opening their hearts and wallets.

"We're very happy to be able to help," said one donor.

But the church still has not tracked down the thief.

"I'm not going to call the cops," Kottinger said. "I want to talk to that person and see if i can help that person."