JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
A group home for residents living with HIV and AIDS is out thousands of dollars after being ripped-off by burglars last Saturday night.
The spirits at the Grace House on Millsaps Avenue in Jackson have certainly been higher.
"I think everyone feels violated when someone who's not supposed to be there comes into your property. Especially when they take things from you," said Ella Tardy, Grace House executive director.
The violation started when thieves pulled off several planks of a fence to gain access to the house's food pantry.
"Came right through and broke the locks on the store door," said Tardy.
Tardy said the burglars then had free reign, taking everything from sports drinks, to canned goods, to paper towels; all donations to the non-profit organization.
"Definitely in the thousands. We know at least a thousand (dollars) and when you count all the trees, as much as $5,000," said Tardy.
In addition to investigating the break-in, Jackson Police offered some helpful tips which will hopefully prevent future incidents, such as cutting tree limbs which were obstructing the view of the storage shed.
"We can see the entrance to the pantry store building a lot more readily from the house itself," said Tardy.
While spirits are down, according to Tardy, a group of angels are watching over the Grace House.
"We have some people at one of the hospitals getting Kroger gifts cards and Walmart gift cards coming. People are just being wonderful," said Tardy.
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