Volunteers at the Dominican Center in Milwaukee are experiencing an overwhelming wave of community support after the nonprofit was burglarized on consecutive nights. The burglar stole essential items, including technology and Halloween costumes meant for local children, prompting a significant outpouring of donations from the community.
Key Takeaways
- The Dominican Center was burglarized twice, losing over $12,000 worth of items.
- Community members have rallied to donate nearly $5,000 and essential supplies.
- The center serves the Amani neighborhood, providing vital services and programs for children and adults.
The Incident
The Dominican Center, which has been a cornerstone of the Amani neighborhood for 29 years, faced a distressing situation when a burglar broke in on back-to-back nights. The thief managed to enter through a door on the east side of the facility, causing significant damage and stealing a variety of items crucial for the center’s operations.
Elizabeth Perdomo, the director of operations, described the burglar’s method, stating, "They broke the door, and the second night, they broke the door again and the window." Security footage captured glimpses of the burglar, but not enough to identify them.
Stolen Items
The burglar made off with a range of items, including:
- Two 65” monitors
- One 60” Smart TV
- Two 55” Smart TVs
- A 13” MacBook Air
- A 14” MacBook Pro
- Five Dell laptops
- Diapers of all sizes
- 30 new Halloween costumes
- Various snacks and drinks meant for children
In total, the stolen items are valued at over $12,000, which includes not just technology but also decades of memories stored in photos and memory cards.
Community Response
Since the news broke, the Dominican Center has received an outpouring of support from the community. Maricha Harris, the executive director, expressed gratitude for the donations, stating, "It’s encouraging, it’s uplifting, and it makes you just want to keep going."
Volunteers like Quan Caston, who teaches art and chess to local children, have also noted the emotional impact of the burglaries on the community. "When something like this happens, they’re saddened as well, probably even more so than we are, because this is literally for them," he said.
Moving Forward
Despite the setbacks, the Dominican Center remains committed to serving the Amani neighborhood. The organization is actively seeking both monetary donations and physical items to replace what was stolen. They are also offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the burglar.
The center is determined to bounce back stronger than ever, with community support playing a crucial role in their recovery. As they prepare for upcoming events, including a Harvest Festival, the need for new Halloween costumes has become urgent.
Conclusion
The burglaries at the Dominican Center have highlighted the resilience of the Amani community. With the support of local residents, the center is hopeful for a swift recovery and a continued commitment to serving those in need. The Milwaukee Police Department is currently investigating the incidents, and the community remains vigilant in their efforts to assist the center during this challenging time.
Sources
- Volunteers overwhelmed with support after Milwaukee nonprofit burglarized twice, TMJ4 News.
- Burglar steals items on back-to-back nights from Milwaukee nonprofit, TMJ4 News.
