Gifts cards stolen from Shrewsbury church replaced

SHREWSBURY, Mass. (AP) -- A Worcester-based health care company has stepped forward to replace thousands of dollars' worth of gifts cards stolen from a Shrewsbury church that were intended for the less fortunate this Christmas.

Fallon Community Health Plan has replaced the $3,500 worth of gift cards that were stolen when someone broke into a storage shed at St. Anne's Roman Catholic church earlier this month.

The thief or thieves also made off with toys and winter clothing.

The Telegram & Gazette reported that the cards are for department stores Kohl's and Walmart and grocery store Price Chopper.

Pawtucket, R.I.-based toymaker Hasbro Inc. has replaced about $3,000 worth of stolen toys.

Worcester police trainees also collected gifts for the church.

Police continue to investigate.