Town helps G.I. replace stolen gifts

Items taken from home of Army corporal on leave

12/22/2013

LODI, Calif. — Army Cpl. Chris Petrossian was in Afghanistan when his frightened wife called to say robbers stole thousands of dollars worth of Christmas gifts he had ordered online and shipped to his California home.

The corporal on leave from his third tour of duty wanted to surprise his wife and two daughters with gifts like an iPad and digital camera.

Thanks to Lodi residents, he will be able to give his family the Christmas he envisioned, KCRA-TV in Sacramento reported Sunday.

He told the television station that he has been able to replace about three-quarters of the stolen gifts with the community’s donations, including money collected by local police and firefighters.