OAKWOOD, Ga. -- A thief stole $12,000 from a private school in Hall County over the weekend, authorities said.

The burglary occurred at Maranatha Christian Academy in Oakwood. Police said the burglar stole the money from a safe.

Oakwood authorities said the break-in was discovered early Monday. No arrests have been made.

Pastor and school president Rod Bell said the money was raised at an auction Saturday to help the school pay its teachers.

The school has been struggling to stay open, Bell said.

“I teach economics and we've been talking about the economy and about how as it deteriorates, people tend to do more things like this to gain income for their home and pay their bills. So, it's just a sign of what's happening right now,” Bell said.

CBS Atlanta’s Joanna Massee asked student Katie Emerson what she would say to the thief.

“I would say, ‘I forgive you,’ and I would pray for them and I would say it wasn't very nice for them to do that. I would hope they wouldn't do it again,” Emerson said.

Bell said most of the funds were in check form. He is asking donors to stop payment on the checks.