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Toys for Tots thanks community, organizations for helping out after bike theft

FRAZER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Pittsburgh area Toys for Tots representatives are sharing their gratitude as the community rallies around the organization following the theft of 25 bikes set to go to kids in need this Christmas.

“Karma will get that rascal or rascals,” said Andy Burch, the Toys for Tots assistant coordinator with the Allegheny Valley Marine Corps League. “We cannot thank our community — individuals and businesses — enough for being part of our team.”

The bikes were stolen overnight Sunday into Monday from the Toys for Tots storage facility in Harrison Township during the organization’s push to help 800 families and 2,000 kids this holiday season.

Since word got out, the Allegheny Valley Marine Corps League has received overwhelming support.

“Bikes and monetary donations have been pouring in,” said Burch.

That support was topped off by help from Dick’s Sporting Goods, which donated 25 bikes at its Pittsburgh Mills location Friday.

“Community is a big part of what we do here at Dick’s Sporting Goods,” said District Managee Chase Van Dine. “We really want to make ourselves available and help in any way possible and for us to give back is really meaningful for us.”

Now, Toys for Tots says it’s able to help even more kids in a year where 300 additional families have reached out for their support.

“We’re just able to give more than we might otherwise have been able to do,” said Burch.

If you want to donate to Toys for Tots, you can send a check addressed to “Toys for Tots” to 838 Pittsburgh St., Springdale, PA 15144 or connect on Facebook here: https://m.facebook.com/AlleghenyvalleyToysfortotsmcl827/

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