tmedlin: blog 
tmedlin's blog
a grinch steals donated goods intended to honor a hero's service
Published Dec. 5, 2008
photo of Fallen Hero - Army Capt. Matthew Ferrara, 24 - NOT the grinch!
Southern California Mom's Donations for Wounded Soldiers Stolen
KTLA News
December 4, 2008
TORRANCE -- A Southland woman whose son was killed in Afghanistan is feeling even more pain after thieves stole items she was collecting for wounded soldiers.
Linda Ferrara planned to send hundreds of socks, sweat shirts, pajama pants, hand-made blankets, letters and other goods to an Army hospital in Germany this week.
But, over the weekend, someone broke into her family's mobile home, which was parked outside their Bay Cities Italian Bakery on a dead-end street in Compton.
Ferrara went to the RV Sunday and found empty boxes scattered outside.
Inside, she discovered nearly all the collected items were missing and "thank you" letters to wounded soldiers were torn to shreds.
Ferrara, along with other West Point Parent Club members, had been collecting the items since her son, Army Capt. Matthew Ferrara, and five others were killed in an ambush on Nov. 10, 2007.
She estimates that at least $6,000 worth of clothes were taken along with the priceless patriotic fleece blankets she and other volunteers spent hours sewing.
Compton sheriff's deputies took a report and fingerprints, she said, adding that she believes the thieves will try to sell the stolen goods.
Ferrara also says her insurance company would not cover the loss since she planned to give the items away and they technically didn't belong to her.
Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call the Compton sheriff's station.
Anyone who is interested in donating items for wounded soldiers can email Ferrara at lindaferrara@aol.com or visit the West Point Parent Club of Orange County Web site: http://www.west-point.org/parent/wppc-oc/.
Ferrara says the organization can accept cash donations or brand new items because the Military hospital does not allow used goods.
close45 Comments
(5 votes) relatives fear mom, boy dead
(3 votes) repaving i-795 could cost up to $22m
(2 votes) workplace deaths on rise
(1 votes) homebuilders feel economic pinch
(1 votes) inauguration events begin
Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.
You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.
We lay down peacefully at night because of these soldiers and for the life of me I don't understand how people don't care.
GOLO member since July 17, 2008
December 5, 2008 11:46 a.m.
GOLO member since July 17, 2008
December 5, 2008 11:45 a.m.
GOLO member since March 17, 2008
December 5, 2008 11:34 a.m.
Hey, this was a good idea to post this story. Maybe it will inspire some people to donate. For years, I've been trying to get people to make donations to children's charities at Christmas rather than giving gifts to people who don't need or even want what they are getting. Most of my friends and family are doing well enough so that there isn't much I can get for them. I think it's much more important for needy child to get a present at Christmas.
GOLO member since August 29, 2008
December 5, 2008 11:23 a.m.
people wanna cry about race but cant say a simple thank you for servicing
whatever.
cya!
GOLO member since October 17, 2008
December 5, 2008 11:21 a.m.
SCUMBAG LOSER
lemme guess, the scumbag dont have a job so he has to STEAL EVERYTHING that was dontated.
AGAIN
WORTHLESS SCUMBAG THUG!
GOLO member since October 17, 2008
December 5, 2008 11:20 a.m.
GOLO member since August 22, 2007
December 5, 2008 11:19 a.m.
December 5, 2008 11:15 a.m.
HOPE the scumbag rots
GOLO member since October 17, 2008
December 5, 2008 11:15 a.m.
AND ALL OUR SOLDIERS !
GOLO member since October 17, 2008
December 5, 2008 11:13 a.m.
Please log in to add comment.