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Crooks Steal Backpacks Stuffed With School Supplies From Detroit Community Center

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Officials at a Detroit community center say thieves have stolen dozens of backpacks filled with school supplies for students in need.

The thieves used a hammer to break a lock on an armored door and kicked in another to get the supplies late Tuesday or early Wednesday at Detroiters Helping Each Other, according to a report in the Detroit News.

The thieves made off with 75 filled backpacks and 46 that had yet to be filled with crayons, markers and other supplies.

Center founder Jessica Ramirez said the suspects also stole clothing, groceries, hygiene products in care packages and items used to serve food to the homeless.

"I felt violated, because I give anything I have if somebody needed it," Ramirez told the newspaper. "I felt crushed."

How sad. It will not stop us i promise ya that.

Posted by Detroiters Helping Each Other on Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Despite the loss, Ramirez said there's been an outpouring of support from the community. Hardware stores have donated temporary locks to help secure doors and others have provided replacement knapsacks and other goods, but more help is needed.

For more information or to donate, call 313-957-9511 or visit detroitershelpingeachother.com.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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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