HopeLink works to recover after gift card theft

After thousands of dollars worth of gift cards were stolen from HopeLink of Southern Nevada, the agency is trying to make up the difference in time for the holidays.

"When someone does something like this, I don't think they realize the impact it has in the community," HopeLink Executive Director Karen Kyger said. "It stops us from providing the kinds of service for those who need it the most."

Kyger said someone broke into the organization Nov. 20 and took gift cards, food and electronics.

Andrea Michaels, director of client services, said in the five years she has worked at the organization, this is the first break-in.

HopeLink provides low-income families resources for rent and utility payments and back-to-school supplies for children.

Kyger said the organization helped about 10,000 clients last year.

Stolen items such as Wal-Mart and American Express gift cards aided families getting necessary household items, food and clothing.

"Often, the case managers go shopping for the clients," Michaels said. "This helps people get stable on their feet."

Some cards were bought by HopeLink through donations. Some were directly donated by businesses. Kyger said all were needed for the holidays.

"Those gift cards were for the rest of the fiscal year," Kyger said. "This is going to have an impact on Christmas."

HopeLink's holiday party is scheduled for Dec. 20, and the organization is working hard at recouping what it needs to make sure the agency continues to take care of its clients.

Donations can be made at link2hope.org.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter
Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com
or 702-387-5201.