West Sacramento evidently has a Christmas
candy thief.
The local Kiwanis service club chapter has
been selling See’s candy as a fundraiser, at a storefront in Southport’s Town
Center Plaza near Nugget. On Wednesday night, the shop had an unwelcome visitor
with a sweet tooth and no scruples.
“They broke the lock on the back and pried
their way in,” said Robert Buck, secretary/treasurer for the West Sacramento
Kiwanis. “They took about 40 boxes of candy worth about $400. There was also
some change missing, worth about $20. They took our cash register – I don’t
know why they took that.”
The landlord said he would take care of
damage to the rear lock, sparing the club some additional expenses.
Through Christmas Eve, the Kiwanis volunteers
were at the store selling candy to support their charity efforts.
“We took in a total of about $48,500,” said
Buck, “and I think we netted about $14,000 after expenses. That’s about a
thousand better than last year. The primary objective of the fundraiser is to
support our kids’ camp. Last year, it cost about $13,000. The camp lasts about
a week for 60 children, and it’s free to them. The costs include busing them
up, providing clothes in some cases, and providing camp for a week.”
The summer camp is called “Donner Mine Camp,”
along Highway 20 on the Bear River, said Buck.
“The money also goes to scholarships and to
Kiwanis Family House,” he explained, saying that the house is similar to the
Ronald McDonald House and is sited on the UC Davis Medical Center campus.
“They have 55 rooms. It was built by Kiwanis
Clubs all over the region. The university essentially took over payments, but
Kiwanis operates it. It’s for families who have children in the hospital, so
they can visit. The charge is according to need – sometimes it’s free,
sometimes $10 or $20 per night, and I don’t think they ever charge over $30 per
night.”
So even though the thieves got away with some
merchandise, said Buck, the candy fundraiser remained a success.
“We were fortunate that way,” he said.
Anyone wanting to support the club’s efforts
can call Robert Buck at 371-4918 or send a check to Kiwanis Club of Sacramento
West, PO Box 2062, West Sacramento, CA 95691.
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