DES MOINES, Iowa — EveryStep is an organization that prepares around 660 gifts for grieving community members during the holidays.
Ashley Mori said when she arrived at the warehouse Tuesday morning, more than 50 of those gifts had been stolen along with two cars.
On Wednesday, the Urbandale Police Department said both of the vehicles were located at two separate spots in Des Moines
"Got here this morning and noticed that the boxes were kind of everywhere and that items were missing, and it looked like somebody had broken in," Mori said. "So we had contacted the police. And we walked the building and found out that several of our items were missing. Also, our cars or vehicles, and a lot of electronic devices that we were using for the event."
These gifts are for people who have lost a loved one and are going through the holiday season without them for the first time. Volunteer Jane Flanagan knows this feeling all too well as she lost someone herself this year.
"Well I think it's can be incredibly sad and depressing for people... it's just a simple you know, a simple gesture that can be can mean so much," Flanagan said.
CEO Tray Wade is persistent about following through with that gesture despite the circumstances.
"I think that resiliency is what makes every step really special, what makes this program really special. It was just on full display here today, not only with our staff but with just wonderful volunteers who come and give their effort and time," Wade said. "And, you know, we're going to make sure that that we don't miss a beat and that we're able to deliver more gearboxes than ever this year."
There is no word on who might have committed the burglary. Officials said an investigation is ongoing.