A Salvation Army red kettle full of donations was stolen by a thief last night at the Walmart in Wasilla.
The Salvation Army bell ringing volunteer was at the end of their shift when an unidentified person quickly grabbed the kettle and ran.
The bell ringer and an anonymous man from a nearby construction site tried to chase down the thief.
Unfortunately the thief was able to make it to the Valley Cinema parking lot where a truck was waiting. He got in the vehicle which rapidly sped away.
The amount stolen is unknown but is estimated to be hundreds of dollars.
Salvation Army Capt. Jeff Josephson said in a release, “I don’t know exactly how much was taken but I do know what was lost, warm blankets, food for the needy, work clothes and utility assistance. People put their hard-earned money in our Red Kettles because they know we will turn it into much needed help for their neighbors who are down on their luck.”
The Salvation Army is working with the police to identify the thief.
While Lower 48 states have been seeing thefts like this, this is the first time this has happened in Alaska this year.