Church volunteers robbed while cleaning up trash in community

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Church volunteers were robbed while trying to help clean up the City Beautiful.   Their cars broken into while they picked up trash, and  everything from keys to cash and cell phones were stolen from cars parked in Carver Shores on Sunday.  And a city commissioner took to social media to share her embarrassment and frustration with the crime.

Bryan Reyes is a member of World Mission Society Church of God.  Sunday was the church's "Clean up day," so Reyes and other members of his church drove from Leesburg to collect trash at Eagles Nest Park in Orlando.  "We came out there just to clean. It's apart of our volunteer service," Reyes said.

According to the police report, Reyes is one of five victims who had their cars broken into.  Between the car damage and stolen property, Reyes says the whole thing set him back about $600 to $700.  "My headphones, also speakers, and also my tablet were taken," he said.

The community is part of Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill's district.  "It was awful, it was embarrassing, it's was shameful, and it was hurtful," she explained,  "because, I  had no more than 15 minutes prior, told them about how good that community was.  I  thought they would think that it represented everyone in the community, versus those that really do care about Carver Shores."   And has some words for those responsible for the break-ins.  "Your past will catch up with you, and it's a hard thing to overcome, but you're hurting other youth and seniors in the very community you live in."

Reyes says this incident won't change his kind nature.  "I should've taken all my stuff out, but we were too busy cleaning to worry about that," he said.  "Next time, we'll just take some precautions"