A real life Grinch stole one of the Salvation Army's Red Kettles, taking money that was supposed to go to people in need.

The Kroger on Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods is bustling with holiday shoppers getting ready for Thanksgiving. But someone managed to steal a Salvation Army kettle on its stand full of donations at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

"Our bell ringer had been there all day and then she stepped away to use the restroom," said Capt. Kelsie Moreno, Salvation Army. "And during that five minutes someone stole the entire kettle."

Police say a witness saw a large white sedan drive out of the parking lot with the kettle stand sticking out of one of the windows.

There's no telling how much money was in the kettle when it was stolen. After finding out it was stolen, Kroger donated $500.

"Five-hundred dollars can do so much good in our community," Moreno said. "That can feed a family of four, for five weeks. That can be coats for 30 children. That is toys at Christmas time for 30 children."


The Salvation Army is hoping someone knows something or perhaps sees a discarded stand and calls Grosse Pointe Woods police.

The goal in metro Detroit this holiday season is to raise $7.85 million for those in need.

"One thing I would say, is if you are in a desperate situation, and you are not able to pay your bills, or you don't have food for your table - don't resort to theft," Moreno said. "We can help people take care of those things so in that situation they won't be tempted to steal."

