Charity tip jar stolen from Cathedral City business

UPDATE 12/14:

After this story aired, a good Samaritan from Indio, donated $200 to Lala’s Waffles, Crepes and Shakes. The money will be donated to Ezekiel’s Gift of Love: Coachella Valley Down Syndrome Foundation, according to a Facebook post on the Cathedral City shop’s page.

ORIGINAL 12/13:

One Cathedral City business owner is speaking out after generous donations were stolen from a jar full of cash that was meant for charity earlier this week.

Karla Lara, owner of Lala’s Waffles, Crepes and Shakes, said she stepped into the back room to grab supplies when the thief struck.

Lara, who came to the United States when she was 17, was a field worker before opening her business Dec. 2.

She wanted to give back to those in need of help.

“I’m so happy to be able to support and give back to our community because that’s going to be one of our promises at this establishment,” Lara said.

All tips collected at her shop were to be given back to different organizations. However, the money disappeared on Monday afternoon.

“I just hope that whoever took it really needed the money,” Lara said.

About $100 has been raised for Ezekiel’s Gift of Love, a local Down syndrome support group.

Unfortunately, when the theft occurred, security cameras hadn’t been set up at the shop.

Despite the act, Lara still plans on donating future tips.

If you would like to donate to Ezekiel’s Gift of Love: Coachella Valley Down Syndrome Foundation, you can do so on their website.

Lala’s Waffles, Crepes and Shakes is located at: 34041 Date Palm Dr. Ste. E in Cathedral City.