BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Police are investigating an incident that occurred at a neighborhood favorite: Gene McCarthy's Old First Ward Brewing Company.
"We have the alarm system, and it went off, and that's when we found out we were broken into," said General Manager Margo Kowal.
Security footage from inside the bar captured the moments the suspect broke in. Employees said a jar sitting out on the bar, filled with coins and cash donated by patrons and employees, was the intended target.
That jar collects donations, not tips. It was set to go towards the OFW Community Center Kids Christmas Party.
"To help the kids have Christmas gifts so they had a Christmas instead of nothing, and then they came and took them," said Kowal.
The idea to fundraise for the community center's kids' Christmas party came to Kowal after she offered a ride to a stranger. "I gave her a ride because she lived right over here, and I asked her where she was coming from, and she said the community center," Kowal recalled.
During that drive, she felt inspired to make a difference. "So I decided to make a jar just so we could give them some Christmas gifts. I just wanted them to feel how I felt, I guess."
Kowal said they are working with Buffalo Police to help find the suspect.
"They've been looking into it since yesterday so... any leads would be greatly appreciated also," Kowal said.
Despite this setback, McCarthy's is determined to continue their efforts. "We have a Venmo account so that we can keep doing this and hopefully get back some of the money," Kowal added.
If you or someone you know would like to donate, via Venmo, the account to donate is: @William-Metzger-40
Or, you can still donate in person, at the bar as well. Kowal said 100% of the money received will go directly to holiday gifts for kids in the Old First Ward.