Burglary suspect arrested at Jay’s Hope Foundation

MACON, Georgia – A suspect in connection with the break-in at a Macon nonprofit is now in custody, according to a Facebook post from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday morning, organizers were busy cleaning up after someone broke into the Jay’s Hope Foundation on Forsyth Street, smashing a window and stealing several items from the charity’s offices and playroom.

Someone reportedly vandalized the offices and took credit cards intended to pay for gas and food for the children in treatment and their families.

The suspect also stole several gifts intended for children and siblings suffering from cancer, as well as various donations for an upcoming fundraiser.

On Friday, investigators arrested the suspect at a nearby restaurant, where he allegedly kept a suitcase full of items belonging to the charitable foundation.

The Facebook post says they found donated gift cards and checks from Jay’s Hope Foundation in a travel bag.

All items will be returned to the organization, the post says.

13WMAZ spoke to Jay’s Hope Foundation founder Cindy Gaskins after the break-in.

“I think the destruction hurts me the most, more than them just stealing from us,” Gaskins said.

Gaskins founded the foundation 18 years ago in honor of her son, Jay Gaskins.

“He was always thinking about other people. And when we were in treatment, he was always worried about his other little friends who were also in treatment and wanted to pray for them at night,” she said.

Her son died of brain cancer in 2006 at the age of five. Since then, Jay’s Hope Foundation has helped several thousand other families battling childhood cancer.