Donation money stolen from church

New London, Conn. (WTNH) - Police are investigating after they say someone stole donation money used to sponsor a New London church's food program.

"When the volunteers came in to start breakfast this whole unit was on the ground," said Peter Roberts, First Congregational Church deacon, "and someone had crawled in through the night to get in and get our coin jugs."

It was easy access to money which may be hard to replace. Roberts runs New London Breakfasts, which depends on the money stolen from the jugs to feed folks each morning.

"As you can see they cut it open and took the money," Roberts said.

While he wished to remain anonymous, one church guest said he is one of the many who starts off his day with New London Breakfasts.

"It's very disappointing cause it's part of the church," the church guest said, "it's how they run their programs."

"A slow morning is around 60," Roberts said. "We've had as much as 105."

Last year they served 17,866 guests: a record high. This is where many fuel up before they drive off to work.

"In this economy and the prices of things it's a choice between putting gas in your car or putting food in your stomach," Roberts said.

The food is donated and prepared by volunteers. Each meal is estimated to cost about 56 cents.

Those who come in are asked to give whatever they can, if they can. Roberts says the theft is disappointing, but may also be a desperate measure for someone who knows what is on the other side of the window.

"Maybe that one individual needed food for his family," Roberts said. "Maybe that one individual needed medicine for his child."

Already one donation has come in this morning to try to make up for this loss. A city worker dropped off about $26 and change.

Breakfast is served at the First Congregational Church in New London at 7 every weekday morning. For more information visit their website.