Aloha United Way has notified its donors that someone broke into the charity's office and stole about $128,000 in checks, cash and credit card receipts.

No arrests have been made in the theft, which is believed to have taken place Nov. 29 or 30, police spokeswoman Michelle Yu said.

"We haven't heard how the AUW will deal with this, but it is a real tragedy for the agencies it serves," said Brian Schatz, chief executive officer of Helping Hands Hawaii, one of AUW's 96 partner agencies. "It's sad for our community that some people would stoop so low."

Bank of Hawaii said it will waive stop-payment fees for its customers' checks that were made out to AUW.

Susan Doyle, Aloha United Way president, said the charity is adding additional security measures to try to ensure that a burglary like this won't happen again.

"We are saddened that monies donated to the Aloha United Way were stolen," Doyle said in a written statement. "More importantly, we are truly sorry that this has directly affected our generous donors. When a criminal act of this nature occurs, it affects everyone, including our community that benefits from the much-needed services."

Aloha United Way, which is in the middle of a fundraising campaign that began in September, said monetary donations are down about 10 percent from last year — a decline of about $1 million. The charity said it helps an estimated 500,000 people each year through its partner agencies.

Jody Shiroma Perreira, AUW vice president for marketing and communications, said its general donation campaign and the Pacesetter campaign, which runs May through July in 95 workplaces statewide, generates more than $9 million in contributions.

The Hawai'i State Teachers Association, which is a Pacesetter contributor to the Aloha United Way, pledged to continue to support the nonprofit.

"Aloha United Way is an important institution in our community and helps the people of our state in many ways," HSTA president Wil Okabe said. "We are saddened that they have been victimized. Those who stole money from AUW hurt a lot of worthwhile causes, not just AUW."