Donors replace stolen Thanksgiving food

TAMPA -- What thieves took, generous donors replenished in one day.

On Tuesday, a trailer containing 125 bags of Thanksgiving food for needy families disappeared from Calvary Lutheran Church in Ruskin, which operates a food pantry for the poor. In all, church officials figured they lost as much as $4,500.

But a day after news spread of the theft, people had contributed enough money to buy back all that was taken and possibly more, said Jane Schrett, parish administrator.

People have dropped by food, too. The church will continue to accept donations, which people can make by calling (813) 645-1305 or sending them to Calvary Lutheran at 5809 U.S. 41 N, Apollo Beach, FL, 33572.

- Times staff writer