HopeLink scrambling to provide Christmas gifts for clients following break-in

It was a terrible sight for the staff of HopeLink of Southern Nevada.

Office doors had been knocked in, the building had been damaged and thousands of dollars of gift cards that were supposed to be used to purchase Christmas items had been taken.

A Grinch had stolen Christmas at HopeLink, 178 Westminster Way, two days before Thanksgiving.

HopeLink, a Henderson-based nonprofit, helps low-income families stabilize their lives through programs such as rent or utility assistance, food assistance or distributing school supplies for children.

"When someone does something like this, I don't think they realize the impact it has in the community," said Karen Kyger, the executive director of HopeLink.

"It stops us from providing the kinds of service for those who need it the most."

Kyger said HopeLink assisted about 10,000 people last year.

But just like the characters in Dr. Seuss' version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" - who awoke to find all their presents and decorations were stolen yet remained in the Christmas spirit - the staff at HopeLink is determined to carry on.

Andrea Michaels, the director of client services, said community partners have been stepping up to help the agency recoup lost items.

To aid in its mission, the organization had acquired thousands of gift cards - some were purchased while others were donated from companies. Gift cards came from companies such as Walmart, Target, Kohl's and American Express Co.

Throughout the year, the cards helped secure purchases such as food or clothing for clients.

Michaels said HopeLink also received gift certificates from businesses such as movie theaters or nail salons it would hand out to some of the youths as incentives for hard work in school.

The remainder of those cards were to help purchase Christmas gifts for clients.

Kyger came in early Nov. 21 to discover that the server room had been broken into, the building's alarm had been disarmed and the cards had been stolen.

"Our Christmas will be impacted this year," Kyger said.

Electronics and food items were also taken.

"We had some property damage, too," Michaels said. "It will probably be several thousand dollars in repair."

Michaels' office was one of two that had its doors busted in.

In the five years Michaels has worked for the agency, this is the first time it had been broken into.

"It's the worst feeling," Michaels said.

HopeLink had just completed its Thanksgiving giveaway for its clients the day of the break-in, giving out food baskets to those in need.

The agency was going to use the gift cards to gather the rest of its clients Christmas items for its holiday party Dec. 20.

Hours after reporting the incident to the Henderson Police Department, Kyger said HopeLink received donations from the community.

"People have been stepping up," Kyger said. "Christmas is going forward."

While some individuals have donated, businesses have also donated proceeds, such as Gene's Locksmith, which Michaels said is donating 5 percent of all Saturday in-shop sales.

If people are able to donate, Kyger suggested a monetary contribution through HopeLink's website so the agency can purchase the specific items it needs for people.

For more information on how to help, visit link2hope.org.

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