Investigators are searching for three suspects who walked into a local store and left with $1,000 in donated school supplies designated for needy children of service members.

According to reports from the Clinton Police Department, two men and a woman walked into Dollar Tree, located at 1327 Sunset Ave., Monday evening around 8 p.m. and told the assistant manager they were there to pick up the donated supplies collected for Operation Homefront.

The store collects donations for the company that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. The items taken Monday evening were school supplies valued at $1,000.

After packing the items in their vehicle, the trio told the assistant manager they would return in two to three weeks for another pickup, reports note.

However, when the store manager came in the next morning and discovered the items had been picked up, she called the Operation Homefront offices and was told they had not sent anyone out for pickups. The manager immediately called police.

Investigators quickly received suspect information and got a lead after the license plate number of the vehicle was written down by a store employee.

Police are searching for the suspects, who drove away in a silver Impala.

If you have any information on the suspects or the location of the vehicle, call the Clinton Police Department at 910-592-3105. All tips will be kept anonymous.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or email to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.