Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- Police say two young thieves tried to steal a donation jar for Wednesday's Harvest Hope Diaper Drive, but Junior League volunteers followed the suspects, who were later arrested.
"We are almost daily in the community doing things, but this was something we all felt strongly about, because so many of us are mothers and have new children," said Junior League of Columbia President Townes Denemark. She was at the Sparkleberry Lane location of Kroger in Richland County at about 4 p.m. Wednesday, stationed at a donation table with six other members. "We were really shocked because they had actually come over and put money into the bank," she said.
A 14-year-old and an 11-year-old boy approached the table, inquiring about what they were doing. "We told them we are an organization that helps folks out in the community," says Denemark. Deputies say the boys grabbed the giant bottle bank with monetary donations from the table and ran away.
"Three of our members actually chased after the boys, one on foot down Sparkleberry with her red Junior League volunteer apron on. And another one jumped in her car," she said. "We were all standing there with our moths open, except of course for the ones who were running."
Lieutenant Chris Cowan with the Richland County Sheriff's Department said, "If there is such a thing as a good victim, these individuals were good victims, because they got involved from the specific information. They got us a great description." One Junior Leaguer, in her car, saw the boys run into an apartment complex, not wanting to allow the good givings of the community to disappear. "I think it is the spirit of the Junior League, although it concerns me a bit," Denemark said.
The woman were able to offer deputies very specific descriptions of the boys. "We found them in an apartment," said Cowan, "One of them was hiding in a closet."
"An 11-year-old was smart enough to go home, change clothes, hide the money under his mattress and get in his closet," Denemark said.
The male suspects will face a judge Friday at family court. They will also face other violations in the community from previous times. "It's a shame because that's what we're all about is helping folks out in the community and it's unfortunate that the incident happened but hopefully they can be rehabilitated and learn from their mistakes," Denemark said.
11/19/2009 8:20:16 PM
