Calif. Police Step in as Santa to Replace Laid-Off Woman's Stolen Gifts

ANTIOCH, CA — After Sara Quinones returned home last week, she was confronted with something no one would want to encounter, especially during the holidays. Police officers and concerned neighbors stood outside her home ready to inform her that it had been burglarized.

As Quinones surveyed the damage, her heartbreak deepened. Like a scene from the classic tale of “Grinch,” thieves had reportedly vandalized her vehicle and stolen Christmas gifts – mostly toys and children’s clothes that she had wrapped and placed under the tree. She was devastated.

To make matters worse, a few days prior to the burglary Quinones received news that she had been laid off from Savers in Antioch as a production lead.

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“I loved my job,” Quinones told this news organization. “I mean, what else could go wrong? When it rains, it pours, I guess. I was so stressed out.”

Quinones tried to make the best out of the situation, adding she was thankful that her dog Simba, who is recovering after he got hit by a car a few months ago, was not home when the burglary occurred.

“Things can be replaced, but not him,” said Quinones. “I don’t know what would have happened to him if he was there. I guess I’m trying to see the cup as half full instead of empty.”

Antioch Police Department Officer Ashley Lundin responded to the burglary in progress call on West 9th Street. She said some neighbors reportedly saw individuals leaving Quinones’ home. Despite an extensive search in the area, the suspects were never caught.

The entire incident, however, troubled Lundin.

“It didn’t sit right with me, and I felt awful for her,” she said.

Lundin, who started her career in law enforcement in 2014 and arrived in Antioch three years ago, felt she had to do something.

“Just seeing how distraught she was, knowing her financial situation with having lost her job as Christmas is approaching, it just tugged at my heartstrings,” said Lundin. “I felt really bad, and I knew we could help her in some way. I wanted to make that happen.”

In response, Lundin rallied her team, asking if anyone was willing to donate children’s clothes and toys to Quinones.

Her sergeant ultimately reached out to an Antioch dispatch manager who helps organize toy drives and donations during the holidays.

“We have this APD adopt-a-family holiday program where we give donations and gifts to families in need,” said Lundin.

Lundin contacted Quinones and asked if she wanted to be part of the program.

“She was extremely grateful,” said Lundin.

On Sunday, Lundin and her dayshift crew arrived at Quinones’ home and replaced the stolen gifts, bringing some holiday magic to the family. Quinones could not hold back her tears when she saw Lundin and other officers bringing the gifts.

“It was so nice of them,” she said. “They brought in many nice things, like Barbie dolls, Minnie Mouse, Hello Kitty, blankets … a lot of nice gifts.”

Quinones said she is now looking forward to seeing the reaction of her two nieces when they open their gifts.

“They are going to love it,” she said.

Quinones is hopeful she will find a new job soon, but for now, she wants to spend time with her loved ones.

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