The Salvation Army said someone broke into one of its community centers in Washington and stole donations collected through the charity's Red Kettle Program.

Maj. Lewis Reckline, area commander of the Salvation Army National Capital Area Command said the Solomon G. Brown Corps Community Center was burglarized at about 5:30 a.m. Sunday.

Reckline said a suspect who knew where the safe was located broke into the administrative office and stole several days of proceeds from the Red Kettle donations. He said it was a holiday weekend, which explained why the donations were being stored at the center rather than deposited in a bank.

Reckline said a security guard confronted the suspect who drew a knife, but no one was injured.

He said officials hope the money taken will be returned. He said the funds were donated to help local families who are struggling in southeast Washington.