Man Steals Sick Child's Donation Jar
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Updated: 4:33 AM Nov 28, 2009
Man Steals Sick Child's Donation Jar
Viewers help police identify two men accused of stealing a sick child's donation jar.
Posted: 6:34 PM Nov 27, 2009
Reporter: Jamie Edmonds
Email Address: jamie.edmonds@wilx.com
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When we met Gavin Bodo, he was a ball of energy . You'd never know the five-year-old was diagnosed with Leukemia in August and has already had four months of chemotherapy.

"They put a butterfly tube into the port, his grandma Lorrie Gibbs said, "that way he doesn't get IV shots."

His treatments take this Olivet family to Grand Rapids twice a week -- which created a significant financial burden.

"We couldn't really afford the gas and everything so we started the donation cans so that will help," Gibbs said.

The cans were homemade out of cottage cheese containers - and left at local stores. The money donated wasn't much, but, his Gibbs said it was a help.

"We'd get 40 to 60 bucks at one location," Gibbs said.

But when Gibbs went to this Charlotte Felpaush to pick up this week's donation, it wasn't there.

"It was kind of heartbreaking," she said.

Charlotte police said Tuesday two men walked into the store -- while one distracted employees -- the other man put Gavin's can under his coat and walked out. The second man joined him and they left together in a light blue Pontiac Transport.

Gavin's mother said she was saddened when she heard the news.

"The person that took the cans, I hope they watch the news and realize what they did and they'll turn themselves in, that's all I can say," Erica Heinitc, Gavin's mother, said. "It's not right they took my son's can."

But she said the family is picking its battles, because they have a much more important fight on their hands.

'What do you think of the people that took the money?' News ten asked Gavin. "They need to give it back," he responded.

*Update* Viewers called in numerous tips to the Charlotte Police Department Friday. Detective Beal said they've identified both men, and have interviewed one. They are still trying to get in touch with the other man. No charges have been filed yet, but Beal said they have a very strong case and will turn everything over to the prosecutor once they complete their investigation.

**If anyone would like to donate to Gavin's family, he has an account set up at Eaton Federal Savings and Loan. Just tell them you'd like to donate to the "Gavin Bodo Fund"

Or you can mail donations to his grandma, Lorrie Gibbs at:

P.O. Box 171
Olivet, MI 49076


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