Story Archive

Orange is the New Dumb

Weare, N.H., was hit with a crime spree: orange plastic flamingos were stolen from front yards all around town. People had bought the flamingos as part of a fundraiser to support Abby VanDyke, 12, who had been diagnosed with leukemia. “Orange is the color of leukemia awareness so rather than typical pink flamingos, we chose orange,” said Kim Mucci, one of the creators of the fundraiser. After the theft, Weare police Lt. Frank Herbert posted on the department’s Facebook page: “I am very interested in speaking with the person or people who have stolen a number of Abby’s flamingos!” At least one of the thieves responded. Police found a lone flamingo on the side of the road next to several trash bags containing another 15 flamingos. Police also received an anonymous letter. “We are truly sorry for our actions and had no idea what the flamingos on Colby Road symbolized,” the letter said. “We would have never taken them.” A “small donation” was also included with the letter. (MS/NH1) ...Police are trying to identify the sender of the letter so they can send them their flamingo.