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ACCESS donations stolen from Greystone Court light display By Kevin Opsahl Updated: Dec 19, 2022 01:14 PM A A Thousands of people drive down Greystone Court in east Medford each holiday season to view the coloful light displays put up by residents on the street. [David Smigelski/Mail Tribune] ACCESS reported an unknown amount of cash was stolen this weekend from its donation box on Greystone Court, a highly visible street in east Medford famous for the spectacular Christmas light displays that draw thousands of people each year. ACCESS, which acts in part as a regional food bank in addition to providing other resources for people in need, has collection barrels on the cul-de-sac at the end of Greystone Court. Many people know to bring donations of food or cash when they drive by the holiday spectacle. One of those barrels with a tent has a locked donation box that ACCESS personnel check every day, but in the wee hours Saturday, a resident heard “a commotion” and saw someone attempt to pull the barrel out from its location, according to Kellie Battaglia, ACCESS advancement director. The witness reportedly saw a red car driving a away but could not make out a license plate number. “They were successful in breaking the lock, and they grabbed the cash that was at the top of the box,” Battaglia said. “But you’d have to stick your hand way down to get the cash at the bottom. They didn’t take the time to do that.” While it is unknown how much money was taken, Battaglia said the resident saved about $150. She said ACCESS did not discover the vandalism and theft until Sunday, but a resident had already filed a police report. “It’s sad because every dollar that’s donated to ACCESS food bank can provide four meals,” Battaglia said. “If that was $100 — that was 400 meals that we can’t provide because robbers and vandals stole money.” She noted ACCESS had not had problems with using a locked donation box before this incident. “It’s been completely safe because we check it every day,” Battaglia said. “It’s very sad that someone would feel the need to steal from the food bank. Our mission is to make sure that people are not going hungry.” She added, "We know the vast majority of people in our community are here to support each other, and care about each other and take care of their neighbors,“ Battaglia said. ACCESS is working to swap out a barrel without a cash box on it. ACCESS personnel will be on hand during the Greystone Court Holiday Food & Fund Drive, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Dec. 21-24. “The need is greater than ever now,” Battaglia said. “What this incident shouldn’t do is diminish the spirit of the holidays. We can’t overlook that. We should stay positive and be grateful for what we have.” Donations can also be made online at accesshelps.org/ . Reach reporter Kevin Opsahl at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @KevJourno.