Coolidge food bank in need of donations after being robbed

COOLIDGE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Authorities say a food bank in Coolidge is in need of donations after it was robbed last weekend.

According to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, thieves stole everything out of the freezers and almost everything off the shelves from the Open Hands Food Pantry last weekend.

"I guess when you're desperate, you do things that we don't understand," said Director Diann LeSueur. LeSueur said they are not angry or vengeful towards the thieves, but they are scrambling to try to get enough food to fill boxes for Thanksgiving.

"We had turkey and some pork shoulders, and other produce was in here," said LeSueur. "Now, it's not, so that's some of the things they took from the freezers, and we're kinds shocked."

The thieves also took canned goods, bikes the organization gives to people who need transportation, and hygiene kits for the homeless.

LeSueur said they do hope the suspects are caught.

"For them to be found, to go in front of the judge, and then have to do community service hours here," said LeSueur. "We have seen changed lives through court-ordered community service. People coming in and reaching out, so someone whose in more need than they are."

Pinal County is holding a fundraising event on November 14 to benefit the food bank. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the county will be hosting a "Piesgiving" event at the Historic Courthouse.

Anyone who makes food or monetary donations to the food bank can get pie!

Open Hands Outreach
https://www.facebook.com/Open-Hands-Outreach-390097494396896/