An organization that collects clothes for families in need was burglarized Wednesday in North Miami Beach, and neighbors believe the crime was the latest in a rash break-ins the area.

The Kindness and Caring Foundation, part of Chesed of South Florida, distributes donated clothing to several hundred families every week. Some items go to local Jewish families while others are sent to families in Haiti, according to volunteer Rebecca Gerstenfeld.

"When I came home, there were about 600 items missing," Gerstenfeld said.

Days away from Hanukah, volunteers said the burglary was a low blow.

"It was a mess, and it was very empty. And, I had to turn people away because there was nothing for them to take," Gerstenfeld said.

Residents believe this was just the latest in a string of break-ins in their North Miami Beach neighborhood that sits west of U.S. 1 and between Miami Gardens Drive and 163rd Street.

"Now we just have an unbelievable rash of crime that we're trying to fight, and we're having burglaries by the dozens," said neighbor Alan Sakowitz.

Some neighbors are doing some of the crime fighting themselves. They have banded together to purchase their own security force. Many have bought surveillance cameras facing the streets for their yards.

"The neighborhood has gotten together and we've beefed up security," said resident Yona Lunger.

Safety-minded residents say they are not vigilantes, though. They are working with Miami-Dade police, the agency that has jurisdiction of the area.

Since November 1st, records show police have made 16 arrests ranging from felonies to misdemeanors. Police also said they have picked up 15 truants in that same time period.

At Gerstenfeld's house, neighbors who heard the news about the break-in quickly donated bags of clothes to replace some of the ones that were stolen.

On Thursday night, volunteers were able to distribute clothes to families in need despite the small mess that remained where the crime scene was.

"We're here. And, we're united. And, there is no question, we are going to fight to keep this place safe," Lunger said.

Anyone interested in donating to the Kindness and Caring Foundation can visit www.gift4akid.org.