PHOENIX (CBS5) -
A single mom has been working overtime just to get by, but she's recently been dealt a pretty raw deal. Her house was broken into, and the crooks took a whole lot more than just the holiday presents.
"This was the first time in a long time I was able to buy us a tree," said Tamra Copeland, who rents a home off 89th Avenue and Thomas. When the thieves broke in, they took everything from TVs to dirty laundry, and even her father's ashes. While no one was hurt, this family is now struggling to just get by.
When Copeland left for work at 4:30 this morning, she had no idea her life would be turned upside down. That all changed with one phone call from her son.
"He told me that there were some movies on the driveway," Copeland said. While no one was home, she says someone came up through the attic, walked a bit, and kicked a hole in the ceiling. Then they took whatever they could grab: laptops, video games and spare change. But there are several things of value that Copeland will miss.
"My kids' presents, because I saved to get them the presents they wanted," she said. "And my dad's ashes." Copeland kept the ashes in a satchel and thinks the thieves may have mistaken the satchel for jewelry.
Times are tight for Copeland. She's been working overtime to save money, and for the first time Wednesday, she left her purse at home so she wouldn't be tempted to spend.
"It's just scary knowing someone came into your house, wondering [if they were] watching us," Copeland said.
But there is some light at the end of the tunnel. After all, there is one gift Copeland's daughter, Alizea, got for her big brother that's still here.
"I got him this little ring that they didn't take," she said, showing us the ring she wrapped. So while Copeland's family is shaken by all this, she says the most important thing is her most prized possessions are unharmed.
"As long as it's safe, we're safe," she said.
Copeland had renters insurance, but she's not sure what they'll cover. If you would like to help out, you can reach Copeland at: tbcopeland@ymail.com.
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