The Salvation Army Moreno Valley Suffers Break-in

During the weekend of Dec. 12, The Salvation Army Moreno Valley Corps Community Center was broken into, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars of sound equipment and instruments from their chapel. A cement block was thrown through a window in the chapel, shattering it and spreading glass throughout the room. Items stolen include a sound system, projector, two guitars and a laptop, adding up to a total value of about $5,000. Following the break-in, The Salvation Army Moreno Valley staff spent hours filing insurance and $1,200 on a clean up crew, taking time and money away from helping families in need in the area. “We’re in a season when we’re doing everything we can to help people who need it,” says Lieutenant David Cain, administrator and pastor of The Salvation Army in Moreno Valley. “It’s completely deflating to take the hit of being stolen from, especially during a time when we’re trying to serve so many people.” This Christmas, The Salvation Army Moreno Valley Corps is providing gifts to more than 1,000 children and Christmas meal food boxes to 350 families in surrounding communities. The chapel is the primary location of programs at The Salvation Army in Moreno Valley. Some of those programs include worship services, afterschool character development programs, music lessons, prayer groups and the upcoming Christmas Eve service. “Those who come to our center consider it a safe and sacred place,” explains Lieutenant David Cain. “Many of these people feel violated by the thief.” The burglary has also hindered toy collection and Red Kettle efforts. Lieutenant Cain’s laptop was stolen in the break-in, and as a result it has been difficult to communicate with companies and donors that are contributing toys and goods for the Moreno Valley community this Christmas.