ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Police in Ann Arbor are investigating a break-in and robbery at the local Salvation Army office.

Someone forced their way in overnight from Sunday into Monday and stole as much as $2,500 in cash.

Most of the stolen money was in the form of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters collected by the Salvation Army's Red Kettle holiday campaign.

Debra Molitor of the Salvation Army said the theft was difficult to understand.

"I know it's desperate times, but we're not a bank here. We're trying to help people," Molitor said.

Susan Carey of the Salvation Army said the money that was taken was destined to help the needy during the holiday period.

"To help them with food, clothing, homes and electric bills and stuff like that," Carey said.

The Ann Arbor Salvation Army's food pantry, which helps many needy families, will likely face cutbacks as a result of the theft.

The thief smashed through windows and pried open doors during the robbery. Damage to the offices has been estimated at $2,500.

Police have no suspects in custody.