Someone stole a Salvation Army donation kettle filled with money from a south Tulsa, Oklahoma, Walmart on Saturday.
Officials said the kettle was padlocked to its tripod, which was also taken. The tripod and credit card machine were recovered, but the kettle was not.
"A kettle at a location like this will average at least $800 in a day. We may also be looking at repair costs for the equipment and replacing the kettle," said Capt. Ken Chapman, area commander of the Salvation Army Tulsa Metro Command.
The organization said the theft is especially distressing because the group is running about 20 percent behind on donations.
"I will admit, we are concerned. We only have 12 days left to catch up on donations," Chapman said.
Dec. 23 is that last day kettles will be out in Tulsa. The campaign started Nov. 10 with a goal of raising $700,000.
"Each dollar, each dime, each nickel placed in a red kettle translates into services in our community for the homeless, hungry and downtrodden. The kettle donations don't just help at Christmas, but all year," Chapman said.
Donations to the Salvation Army can also be made online and by calling 918-587-7801.
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