KANSAS CITY (AP) � Authorities are investigating after tools and equipment were stolen from a Kansas City woodworking shop where retired phone company workers make special devices for children.

The Kansas City Star reported a thief or thieves recently broke into the CHARM (Children Helped and Rehabilitation Motivated) shop where 85-year-old Bill Akers and about 24 other telephone company retirees make scooters, special high chairs, walkers, Braille alphabet boards and other rehabilitative items for physically challenged children.

According to a police report, nearly $5,000 worth of tools was taken, including five new sets of power drills and drivers. The theft report listed five pages of stolen items. None of the stolen items was insured.

Akers said some kids now won�t get what they need �because we don�t have the tools to make them.�