The thieves broke into the Over-the-Rhine ministry late Saturday, ripped open 21 bags of wrapped Christmas presents destined for needy families and made off with the most expensive gifts.

        They took the 19-inch color TV, the DVD player, the radios. Left behind: Religious tapes, silverware, tree decorations.

        Word spread of the heartless crime at Common Ground Ministries Inc.

        And in an outpouring of holiday spirit, many of the $1,500 in stolen items were replaced by Wednesday — along with enough toys, stuffed animals and dried food to bring Christmas to 89 more needy families than the nonprofit agency had hoped to help.

        The gifts were dropped off by the Secret Service, ministers and citizens from as far away as Springdale and West Chester.

        “This is a blessing from God,” said Veronica Fields of Walnut Hills, a 35-year-old mother of six who was hoping for help from Common Ground.

        Late Wednesday a suspect in the burglary was identified and a warrant issued for his arrest.

        Common Ground has helped the poor from Over-the-Rhine since 1988. It had “adopted” 58 families this Christmas with help from corporate sponsors.

        The agency also received hats, coats and gloves for all children whose presents were stolen. Cincinnati police donated 300 bags of candy and the Secret Service chipped in more than 500 gifts.

        “Monday I was angry,” said Hope Spohn, the ministry's business administrator. “Tuesday I was hurt. Today I am overwhelmed at the love and caring the community has shown for us.”

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