Deputies investigating theft of donation jar for Riley Children's hospital

The Elkhart County Sheriff's Department has released surveillance photos of two people they are trying to identify in connection with the theft of a Riley Children's Hospital donation canister.

The donation jar was stolen from the Speedway gas station on the northwest corner of CR20 and SR19 on November 13.

Rosie Mitchell from South Bend says those donations to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis are the reason her grandson Syncere is still here today.

Born with a hole in his intestines, Syncere spent the first year of his life being treated in the hospital.

Now 17-years-old, Syncere lives with Mitchell in South Bend and go back to the hospital often for surgeries and doctor’s visits.

“You’re already worried about the child. Are they going to survive? Are they going to make it? And you don’t want to be worried about where am I going to stay. Where am I going to get this money from?”

Through donations, the hospital has able to provide Mitchell a place to stay when in town for Syncere’s treatments.

“It bothers me you know. Why would somebody want to take from kids that are struggling that have so many problems and the place that does so much for kids like that, you know? Why?”

To donate to Riley Children’s Hospital, click here.

If you have any information on either of the two men pictured, please contact Detective Joseph M. Pinch at (574) 891-2346.