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RVMC will replace stolen gifts By Jill Briskey Although thieves stole $900 worth of presents intended for children suffering from cancer, the kids will still receive their gifts thanks to the Rogue Valley Medical Center. The toys, purchased by the non-profit Candlelighters organization , were stolen from a van early Friday morning. Two other vehicles on Salyer and Baberry Streets were also broken into. According to Vickie Jackson, Southern Oregon chairwoman of Candlelighters, the toys were to be given to out during a Christmas party Sunday at RVMC to about 175 young cancer patients and their siblings. Those toys will now be replaced by new presents purchased with funds provided by RVMC. Jackson said she loaded her van with the toys Thursday night, planning to wrap the presents Friday. Personal items and cash were stolen from her van as well, she said. Lt. Tim George of the Medford police said there are no leads in the case. He thinks that more than one person may have been involved in the crime. "Talk about the Grinch who stole Christmas, we sure have one here," he said. "We don�t have a clue who did this. These kind of cases are best made with help from the public." Anyone with information about the crime can contact Officer Bob McCurley at 774-2544, ext. 2819. The toys were intended for children from 5-months-old to 21-year-olds. Stolen items include games, compact disks, perfume baskets, Barbie dolls and Pokeman figures. Jackson, who works at RVMC, said the group has just enough time to purchase the gifts before Sunday, thanks to RVMC�s donation. "The kids won�t be without their presents," hospital spokesman Dave Preszler said of Asante Health Systems� gift. "It�s such a horrible thing to happen and we decided that the kids needed it." Jackson said anyone willing to make donations to the Candlelighters can call her at 772-2591. In addition to toys, Jackson said, they are looking for gift certificates for car repair services, groceries and necessities. "This isn�t just about Christmas," Jackson said of Candlelighters. "It�s about life." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.