DETROIT (WWJ) - A Detroit nonprofit is asking for help from the community after a truck vital to the group's mission and numerous supplies were stolen over the weekend.
Charmane Neal, Founder of Hey Ya'll Detroit, said on social media she woke up Saturday morning to find the organization's 2004 multi-colored Chevrolet Trailblazer gone from her home.
She is now fundraising to replace the vehicle and get back to serving and providing basic needs to low income and minority communities in Detroit.
"Our vehicle was stolen with the entire pop up library, school supplies, and most of our equipment in it," Neal said. "If I'm to be as honest as I possibly can, this really hurts."
Neal said the vehicle is essential to her organization's mission, as it is used to deliver free groceries and meals to low income residents and the unhoused. The group also transports residents to doctor's appointments and takes supplies to a number of community events.
"Almost everything we need to run our organization was in that vehicle," she added.
The truck was loaded with a number of items in preparation for a Back to School event on Saturday when it was stolen.
"Words can't explain how hurt we all are over this! I need the thieves to understand that a family didn't get groceries because of them, that's how much the community relies on us." Neal wrote in an impassioned post on social media.
Neal has started a GoFundMe page to help raise money for a new truck and replace the supplies that were stolen.
We're asking the communities assistance for help as we rebuild our organization so that we can get back to servicing our community," Neal said.
She said this is the second time in two weeks that vehicles on her property were targeted.
"My neighborhood has become a playground for car thieves with multiple break-ins and vehicles stolen this summer," she said. "Two weeks prior to this theft, my car ignition and gearing column were stolen."
Because of the incident, Neal said she parked the organization's vehicle in a specific spot close to her home so it would be within sight of her Ring doorbell camera.
Neal told WXYZ that the crime has been so bad, one next door neighbor was the target of five thefts. She and her neighbors have reported the incidents to the Detroit police.
Despite the setback, Neal has remined positive, saying that she will rebuild a better Hey Ya'll Detroit with a new library and a better display.
"There will be no discouragement... We will not be defeated! Minor setback for a major comeback," Neal said on social media.
To find out more about Hey Ya'll Detroit and their mission, please visit Hey Ya'll Detroit on Facebook.