Norwich — The Connecticut Defenders have stepped up to the plate to help Easter Seals replace $1,400 worth of outdoor furniture that was stolen from the facility last week.

Judith O’Connor, director of corporate and individual support for Easter Seals, said last week that the furniture — which is used by adult clients who are mentally and physically handicapped — was obtained through a grant and stolen sometime between 5 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Friday.


To raise money for the furniture, the Defenders have given Easter Seals a stack of tickets to sell for Thursday’s final home game. Those who purchase their tickets by calling Easter Seals at (860) 859-4155, ext. 107, or by calling the Defenders directly for the Easter Seals tickets at (860) 887-7962 ext. 111, will have $6 of their $8 ticket donated directly toward replacing the furniture. In addition, O’Connor said, Easter Seals has been given a space where guests of the game may throw tennis balls into a hoop — at $1 a try — to try to win prizes, and 100 percent of every dollar will go toward replacing the furniture.

“They’ve been great neighbors. From time to time they bring us tickets to bring our clients to the games. And sometimes they’ll bring over the mascot to our little parties,” she said.

Anyone with information about the stolen furniture may contact Norwich Police Department at (860) 886-5561.