SUNBURY — Three bikes were stolen early Thursday morning from young children who are living with their homeless families at Haven Ministry, at 1043 S. Front Street.

The bikes, donated specifically for these kids as Christmas gifts this past December, were lying behind the Ministry and were unlocked.

“Who would steal from a homeless child,” lamented Catherine Ann Teisher, executive director.

“I came into work on at 7 a.m., Thursday and two of the children’s mothers came in to inform me that the bikes were stolen,” Teisher said. “I called the Sunbury Police Department. They came down. But the chances of the recovery are slight. It’s a Wal-Mart bike. There are thousands of them out there. How many bikes get stolen?”

Teisher said the Ministry had some spare bikes the children could use, “but it’s not the same as having your own.”

The three children, Laura, 11, had a purple 26-inch Roadmaster; Gabriel, 8, a 20-inch BMX-style bike with pegs; and Austin, 8, a blue, 20-inch bike.

“I’m really mad,” said Gabriel, 7, with a frown.

Arms folded, he added, “I liked that bike. I want it back.”

If anyone has information about the theft, they are asked to call Sunbury Police at 286-4584.

Haven Ministry is a homeless shelter that serves Snyder, Union and Northumberland Counties. The Ministry provides shelter, food, and referral services. The facility can accommodate six families, four single men and four single women.

“We do what we can to help people get back on their feet as contributing members of the community,” Teisher said.

Donations to families or for the kids whose bikes were taken are welcome. Call 286-1672 for more information.