CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- A group of parents who are setting up benches at school bus stops around Cape Coral say two of the benches have been stolen.
One of the benches was last seen at the corner of Juanita Place and Northwest 9th Street early Monday morning, the other was taken around the same time from Northwest 28th Terrace and Chiquita Boulevard.
"I'm very optimistic I hope it was a misunderstanding, maybe they thought it was trash," said Tia Snowden.
She's a member of Benches for our Babes. The group is setting up picnic benches around Cape Coral at school bus stops that are poorly lit and close to roads.
The group was founded just two weeks after 8-year-old Layla Aiken was killed by a hit and run driver at her bus stop. In January, 12-year-old Alana Tamplinwas also killed by a driver as she walked to her school bus stop.
"Their parents can't hug their kids ever again, I don't know if this is gonna work, but we gotta do something," said Snowden.
Benches for our babes set up 26 benches over the weekend. The wood, supplies and man power were all donated.
"We want to buy the Lowe's gift cards to secure these benches with. That's our top priority. There is no point in us spending all this time and people donating all this stuff that they are doing, if they're just going to get stolen,” said Tracy Debusman.
Since the Benches for our Babes Facebook page is overwhelmed with messages, people who want to request a bench at their bus stop are asked to email: benchesforourbabesrequests@gmail.com.
If you want to donate supplies or gift cards, the Lowe's on Veterans Parkway in Cape Coral is coordinating a supply drive.
