Children's Christmas presents stolen from Kamloops store

Small businessowner Diane Stetarwas devastated when she walked into her party supply store in Kamloops to see the cash register gone along with merchandise, the gumball machine and worst of all her children's Christmas presents.

"I noticed the kids Christmas presents were gone andthat's all I could think about," said Stetar, owner ofA Favour to Remember.

"That's not what Christmas is about."

Kamloops RCMP say the break and enter occurred sometime overnight on Dec. 15.

Stetarhas four children aged threeto 10, including two who are special needs.

"My kids don't know any of this happened.I refuse to tell them, because they are here so much, Iwantthem to feel secure here," she said.

The store doesn't have insurance, but Stetar says she will get through this.

For her five-year-old son she is planning to re-gift Legoalready in her house.

"In five years from now, am I going to remember what was taken? No." she said,"What I am going to remember is the support of our community."

A neighbouring business started aGoFundMe campaign to help re-purchase some of the gifts for the children.

"As also a small business owner, I was feeling for her and her family," saidEmily Price, who started theGoFundMe campaign.

"My heart just really went out toher and I felt horrible for her," she said.

Stetar says she is praying for the thieves, because maybe they needed it more.

To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelledChristmas presents stolen from Kamloops business onCBC'sDaybreak Kamloops.