December 18, 2008
Fosters
Former NH gov Benson helps beat Grinch in Rochester toy theft
The Grinch Almost Stole Christmas in Rochester
Someone stole presents this week that The Salvation Army had been collecting for children through its Wish Upon A Star program. The organization and radio station WOKQ are gathering presents for nearly 600 children.
But Thursday morning, after publicizing the theft and appealing for help to replace the stolen gifts, WOKQ employees were stunned when former Gov. Craig Benson showed up and wrote a personal check for $10,000.
“He grabbed the pen out of my shirt pocket and said, ‘Would $10,000 take care of it?’ I said, ‘Yeah!,'” morning co-host Mark Ericson said.
“I’m looking at the check from the Benson Family Charitable Trust made out to the Salvation Army,” he said.
Ericson put Benson on the air and said the former governor was “somewhat reticent” to mention the amount. “I kind of forced him into that.”
The theft was discovered Tuesday at the Salvation Army Worship and Service Center. Someone made off with gift certificates, CDs and DVDs and other gifts that were stored there, said John Rogan, the center’s captain.
The children were each going to receive two toys, two articles of clothing and a pillow.
In addition to Benson’s contribution, WOKQ listeners pledged at least $5,000 Thursday morning to help replace the stolen items.