SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Thieves targeted a Holyoke church and what they took was meant to support veterans and kids. The Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church community is in shock after someone broke in and took off with everything meant to support two causes close to this congregation ­— The Saint Paul’s Day Care and the Greater Holyoke Veterans Lunch.

According to the Holyoke Police Department, officers responded to the church at around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28th for a reported breaking and entering. Reverend Joel Martinez told his community last Friday the robbery took place between the end of Sunday services on May 24th and May 27th.

Whoever broke in accessed two storage rooms and took all the items and prizes that were meant for raffles at an upcoming golf tournament later this June. Saint Paul’s also said food and other valuable items were taken, although no liturgical items or sacred vessels were stolen.

In response to this incident, the church did not have services last Sunday, security measures were implemented, the church has been closed all week, and the veterans’ lunch that was scheduled for Thursday was canceled.

Now despite the bad out of this situation, there is a positive that has come out of it. After hearing what happened, the Holyoke Elks Lodge decided to step up and help. Next Friday, from 5 to 9 p.m. They will be hosting a fundraiser pizza party. Admission is $25 per person, the event will have pizza, pasta and meatballs, as well as a D.J.

All proceeds will go to the two causes — both the Saint Paul’s Day Care and the church’s veterans lunch program.

So, what exactly has been done and where does the investigation stand at this time?

According to that statement from Reverend Martinez, the locks on the exterior doors are going to be changed, it’s unclear if that has already happened. In addition, everyone is being advised not to enter the building until further notice, and anyone who does so would be entering at their own risk.

As for the investigation, no arrests have been made, and Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan said the investigation is ongoing.

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