FAST FACTS:
The center was supposed to open Monday, but the repairs from the damage of theft aren't finished. The school can't open at least until next Monday.
Contractors are busy working to replace about 19 heating and air units ripped off the roof of the Head Start on American Way. Thieves cashed in on about $2,000worth of scrap metal, but caused about $600,000worth of damage to the center, outside and inside.
"That's funding that should have been used on books, materials, food, our playground, all of that is taken from children." said Head Start Director, Latrice Robinson.
Robinson is heartbroken the center has to stay closed to the 256 children whose families depend on the school. But the building is leaking from roof damage and teachers are bundled up, because it's just too cold in the building.
"It impacts their education as far as lesson plans. Some of our children receive therapy on site. It defers their educational needs." said Robinson.
She tells News Channel 3, the theft also hurts the children's health.
"Many of the children, the meals they have here are the only meals they receive." said Robinson.
The Head Start isn't alone. Brian Currier with Corporate Air says copper right now is worth about twice as much as it used to be. He says laws in Shelby County prevent thieves from making money, but in Arkansas anyone can cash in on copper.
"Within the past year, most of my business was due to stolen units, insurance claims and so on." said Currier.
The school is hoping the repairs finish soon, so children won't be without an education much longer.
"I just the beg the community to help. If they know any leads or something. This is making our children suffer." said Robinson.
Police have not made any arrests in the case. If you know anything, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
- Head Start to shut down temporarily for repairs after vandalism
- Thieves took off with about $2,000 worth of scrap metal, leaving the school with $600,000 worth of damage
- Children without education for at least one week
The center was supposed to open Monday, but the repairs from the damage of theft aren't finished. The school can't open at least until next Monday.
Contractors are busy working to replace about 19 heating and air units ripped off the roof of the Head Start on American Way. Thieves cashed in on about $2,000worth of scrap metal, but caused about $600,000worth of damage to the center, outside and inside.
"That's funding that should have been used on books, materials, food, our playground, all of that is taken from children." said Head Start Director, Latrice Robinson.
Robinson is heartbroken the center has to stay closed to the 256 children whose families depend on the school. But the building is leaking from roof damage and teachers are bundled up, because it's just too cold in the building.
"It impacts their education as far as lesson plans. Some of our children receive therapy on site. It defers their educational needs." said Robinson.
She tells News Channel 3, the theft also hurts the children's health.
"Many of the children, the meals they have here are the only meals they receive." said Robinson.
The Head Start isn't alone. Brian Currier with Corporate Air says copper right now is worth about twice as much as it used to be. He says laws in Shelby County prevent thieves from making money, but in Arkansas anyone can cash in on copper.
"Within the past year, most of my business was due to stolen units, insurance claims and so on." said Currier.
The school is hoping the repairs finish soon, so children won't be without an education much longer.
"I just the beg the community to help. If they know any leads or something. This is making our children suffer." said Robinson.
Police have not made any arrests in the case. If you know anything, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
