MLCCC seeks tips regarding break-in

A surveillance photo of the suspect.

Do you know anyone that would be willing to go to jail for breaking into a daycare center?

Mountain Learning and Child Care Center has been at its present location for 14 years and in all those years has been broken into twice-both times this year. The first break-in was in April. A youth in the neighborhood broke in, took $2 and some candy bars and drinks, did $452.56 in damages, was caught in a few days and is now serving two years in a youth detention center. When he gets out, he will have to pay for the damages he caused.

The second break-in occurred close to midnight on July 21. This thief took about $70.00 in petty cash, did over $1,500 in damages and is still running free. He was caught on camera as he came down the hall. He is about 5'8", 170 lbs., longish dark hair with maybe long sideburns or a beard, and was wearing dark pants, blue tshirt, red ski mask and gloves. If you know who broke into the daycare, or if this person sounds familiar to you, please call the Union County Sheriff's Department at 706-439-6066 and ask for Investigator Parks.

Why anyone would even think that there would be money in a day care is a mystery. Mountain Learning and Child Care Center is a non-profit corporation. We are not funded by the county or state. We must have fundraisers just to make ends meet. We do not accept cash for payment of tuition. Parents pay for their child's day care costs with checks or money orders which are stamped 'for deposit only' as soon as they are received. We make daily deposits. There have never been huge sums of money at the day care any time. Now there is no money at all.

The petty cash that was stolen was a staff refreshment fund, and what little profit made is used for a staff Christmas Party each year. The money collected each day will not be left overnight in the Center and as soon as the

refreshments on hand are gone, we will no longer sell drinks and candy bars. It is just not worth having so much damage done to the day care for a few dollars. Thank you very much for ruining our future Christmas Parties.

It is beyond my comprehension that someone would have such little regard for what is right and wrong as to break into a place whose sole purpose is to take care of the children of

hard working parents who are trying to earn an honest living. The employees of Mountain Learning and Child Care get paid very little, work very hard and are proud of the job we do. To steal from us or the children is despicable. For the thief that thinks he got away, sooner or later you will have to answer for what you are doing. I hope you think it was worth it. I don't believe the youth that was caught would agree.