The Veterans & Community Outreach Foundation is still reeling after an intruder stole the Christmas gifts the organization collected for 30 needy children.

On Dec. 15, someone broke into the C.C. Cloud Youth Center, lifted the donated gifts and vandalized the facility.

The organization reported that doors, computer monitors and printers were ruined as a result.

The Rev. Victor Johnson, the organization's executive director, said he is shocked someone would steal from needy kids.

"It's a bad situation," Johnson said. "That's just sorry. It's a poor excuse for a human being. Really down low."

He said the foundation is trying to collect more gifts, but he is most concerned about the kids getting new clothes.

"That's what I'm worried about, something that they can wear," Johnson said. "When they took their clothes, that hurt me. I don't mind them trashing the computers, the office."

Lt. Carol Martin of the Gainesville Police said they have not yet found the person or people responsible for the break-in.

"It's still under investigation," Martin said. "We just need people to call us with any information they may have on it."

Johnson said some people have stepped up to help out over the last few days.

"One guy drove all the way from Murrayville and brought toys and gave a cash donation," Johnson said. "People are calling me about replacing the doors and replacing the electronics. Whatever they've got, we'll be grateful."

The Veterans & Community Outreach Foundation was founded by Johnson and five other Vietnam veterans in 1985 to help people who were struggling in the Gainesville community. Part of the organization's mission is to help children whose parents are incarcerated and battling addiction.