ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WFRV) – Authorities are looking to identify a person who stole a donation bucket used to buy games for soldiers from Gnome Games in Ashwaubenon.
According to the Ashwaubenon Public Safety, a person stole a donation bucket that is used to buy games for soldiers stationed away from home or for veteran’s homes.
The incident happened on Nov. 9 at Gnome Games West which is located on Ridge Road.
Pat Fuge, the Owner of Gnome Games said, “We do a wrapping for a reason bucket and those funds are donations from our customers that we use to purchase games for their soldiers and their families.”
Gnome Games does year round present wrapping but around the holidays it is called ‘Wrapping for a Reason’ because people often give a donation for after their present is wrapped.
“We made the decision for one of the stores to give a whole bunch of games to the veterans home in King,” said Fuge. “And that’s our ‘Wrapping for a Reason’ purpose this year at this store.”
Fuge said they have a new donation box to replace this temporary one on the way and that one will be secured to the counter.
“We’ve been doing this for 18 years, we’ve never been robbed, we’ve never had a theft before and the community’s always supported us,” said Fuge
Their insurance company Vincent Urban Walker and Associates even made a donation out of their own pocket to cover more than the amount stolen.
David Anderson, the President and CEO of Vincent Urban Walker and Associates said, “I think that what happened is really unfortunate and I hope the person felt like they had no choice in the matter but that doesn’t mean other people can’t pitch in and help.”
He continued and said, “A lot of people donated to the cause. I felt it was wrong and we should show that we support those people and we wanted to reach out and make it right.”
Gnome Games said the outpouring of donations has brought them to over $700 dollars raised with more coming in to the store and on PayPal every day.
You can make a donation by going to the Gnome Games Facebook Page here.
Anyone who may have information on the suspect is asked to message the Ashwaubenon Public Safety’s Facebook page or call 920-492-2995 ext. 8753.
Local 5 will continue to update this story.
