Police say it was my fault

An employee stole over $15,000 worth of merchandise belonging to my customers. They police say it was my fault for hiring her, and have done almost nothing to help. (They've taken a report, but nothing else).  

The funds I raise will be used to pay back those customers who lost things. Some of the items this former employee stole were a nice wrist watch, camera equipment, 2 mountain bikes, car parts, computer parts, clothing, and much more.  

If this was just about me, I'd take the loss, sell off my assets to cover the cost of replacing the items, and close the business. I can probably start another company if its just me.  But I have six other employees who depend on me for their income. These employees did nothing wrong, but, they will lose their job if I'm unable to pay these customers for their loss.

I don't like asking for help like this.  I've been putting this off for a couple of weeks, but I've now reached a point of desperation, and I cannot wait any longer. In the past, I've been able to run two different business over the past 25 years, and have always paid my own way. I've been a regular contributor to our local food bank, high school clubs, and a variety of other worthy causes. I like helping others when I can. People say I'm too nice, which bothers me because I don't know what that even means, too nice. Regardless of that, I find myself in an extremely difficult position of needing this help, desperately.

I would be eternally grateful for any donation you may be able to provide. My late wife and I started our business 11 years ago.  I would really like to keep it going.