[StBernard] Church scrambling for donations to replace gifts after break-in

[Westley Annis]

Church scrambling for donations to replace gifts after break-in

Chris Miller Reporting
 
St. Bernard Parish sheriff's detectives are looking for whoever stole
Christmas from dozens of kids and seniors, in a break-in at Our Lady of
Lourdes Catholic Church in Violet.

The church was preparing to give toys and clothes to 60 children, when
someone broke in over the weekend the took everything.

"They actually unwrapped every single gift, and took what they wanted and
left very little," said Pastor John Arnone of Lady of Lourdes. 

   
The church had just reopened last month after being shuttered by Hurricane
Katrina. Father Arnone said some parishioners took it hard when they came to
church Sunday morning and learned of the break-in.

"They were very upset, I mean very emotional," said Father Arnone. "They
came in crying."

There were gifts for needy senior citizens stolen too.

The church had planned on giving the gifts to needy families this evening.
Father Arnone says he had to call them and tell them to wait until
Wednesday, while they try and collect new donations.

Meanwhile, the sheriff's office hopes it can find the culprit or culprits
and bring them to justice.

"It's Christmas time, the gifts were taken from the church, and you have to
be pretty desperate to break into a church," said Chief Deputy James
Pohlmann.

   
Anyone wanting to help can call the church at (504) 281-2267.   Anyone with
information about the crime, or wanting to help, can also call the sheriff's
office at (504) 271-2501.