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SALT LAKE CITY — There's been a setback for a Utah girl raising money for a humanitarian trip to Central America this summer. Her donation jar went missing, but surveillance video shows exactly how it disappeared.
"I felt really violated and, I don't know, I felt bad for the girls that they were desperate enough to come in — during the lunch rush and in front of everyone — and take money from people that need more help in Nicaragua," said Laura Carver.
Carver says she's disappointed donations meant for Central American communities in need are now gone. Last Thursday, police say two young women walked into a Salt Lake City Tonyburgers and took a jar full of money by distracting the cashier with an odd request.
"These girls had come in and ask for a Band-Aid, and when the person at the register went to go grab it, they had taken the jar," said Laura Carver.
The two women managed to walk out without anyone noticing until employees, looking to empty the jar that night, reviewed surveillance tape.
Laura's dad, Chris, owns Tonyburgers and helped her place the jars in four different restaurants around the state. When he saw the video, he was heartbroken.
"I was afraid to tell (Laura) because I knew that she would be really, really disappointed," said Chris Carver.
Laura's dad says in hindsight they shouldn't have left the tip jars that full. His hope is not only to find out who these two girls are, but also to get them the help they need.
"And they're young girls, so I feel like maybe they need help getting back on track, figuring out what they are doing in their lives. Hopefully they really needed the money."
Chris Carver said Tonyburgers will still keep the jars out at the four restaurants, but will now put signs out reminding customers who the donations are for in hopes that it will prevent this from happening again.
Police say they are still investigating the incident. No arrests have been made.
Laura needs to raise $3,000 for school supplies, hygiene products, clothes and other supplies for her trip in July. She has a GoFundMe page* for donations.
The Carvers are hopeful the public will recognize the two young women in the surveillance video. If you have any information on the incident, call police.
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
