Community steps in after charity donation money stolen from Pride Fitness in Wood River

WOOD RIVER, Ill. (First Alert 4) – The community stepped in to help on Thanksgiving after money meant for a charitable organization was stolen during a burglary earlier in November from a fitness center in Wood River.

More than 160 people showed up on the holiday to work out and raise funds intended for Shop with a Cop which was taken from Pride Fitness. And while the cost to participate in the annual fundraiser workout at the gym is $50, many donated twice that amount.

Owner Todd Laux says the gym was fearful the bucket of cash usually donated to the event helping local children have Christmas toys would be light. But instead, it was full on Thursday thanks to the generous efforts of supporters who heard about the break-in and donated over $20,000.

“Every year at Thanksgiving we give that bucket, as luck would have it was as full as it could be,” Laux told First Alert 4.

Wood River Police investigated the burglary that happened on Nov. 12 at the gym and was discovered when the owner came in the next morning for work. The agency said 45-year-old Steven J. Kuklinski of Huntsville, Illinois, was identified as a suspect and arrested Tuesday in Belleville, Illinois.

Police Chief Brad Wells thanked Belleville Police and U.S. Marshals for helping apprehend the suspect.

“This case was brought together due to good police work by patrol officers and detectives with the Wood River Police Department, I commend their efforts,” Wells said. “I also want to thank the Belleville Police Department and the U.S. Marshal Service for their assistance.”

Kuklinski is charged with burglary in Madison County and is currently confined in the county jail. A trial date has not been set.

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