Thief returns cash stolen from Salvation Army red kettle in Ohio

BOARDMAN, Ohio - A thief who made off with cash from a Salvation Army red kettle at a northern Ohio mall this week apparently has had a change of heart.

Police near Youngstown say that two days after the kettle was emptied out, someone left $130 and an apology at the Salvation Army.

A note found at the Salvation Army Wednesday morning read "here is the money I took plus money for a new kettle and bell."

The Vindicator newspaper in Youngstown reports that the note also said "please forgive me."

Police in Boardman say a witness saw someone wearing a Salvation Army jacket take the kettle Monday night while a bell-ringer was on a break.

A Salvation Army official says it's not known how much money was in the kettle.