Toy Theft Is Blessing in Disguise

For Operation Santa Claus, the recent theft of more than $10,000 worth of toys may have been a blessing.

As a result of an avalanche of attention--and donations--since the burglary of its Santa Ana storeroom two weeks ago, this Christmas the agency expects to give more gifts than ever to children who live in foster homes or whose families are poor and to about 300 low-income senior citizens, agency director Bonnie McInerny said Monday.

“The money has been pouring in,” McInerny said. Cash contributions alone reached a total of $20,000 on Monday, compared to $1,000 at the same time last year.

About 3,300 people will receive gifts from the program this Christmas, McInerny said. compared to about 2,600 last year.

Operation Santa Claus, a nonprofit program which has been operated by volunteers for 22 years, collected a record $160,000 in gifts and contributions last year, McInerny said. This year, the operation had expected to collect an equal amount. But the organization did not expect a burglary at its storeroom at the county General Services Agency office in Santa Ana.

Last week, sheriff’s deputies and Santa Ana police arrested a suspect, Billy C. Green, 19, of Santa Ana. Green has been charged with burglary and possession of a hypodermic needle, and he remains in the Orange County Jail on $50,000 bail, officials said.

McInerny said hundreds of individuals and a number of businesses, schools and churches around the county have contributed money, toys and other gifts since the theft.

“It was only because of what happened that so many people responded,” she said.

The gifts are left at drop-off points around the county, including the 43 Orange County Fire Department stations. Then they are delivered to the Operation Santa Claus outlet at 316 City Drive in Orange, where foster parents or social workers can choose gifts for children. The store will open Wednesday, one day later than originally planned.

“It’s going to be a busy two weeks,” McInerny said.