In a brazen early morning theft, two individuals on bicycles made off with a crucial piece of equipment from the Miami Diaper Bank, a non-profit dedicated to distributing diapers to families in need throughout South Florida. According to CBS News Miami, the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. Monday outside the organization's Hialeah warehouse. Security footage captured the thieves as they pried what appeared to be a generator from the organization's distinctive pink van.
The stolen generator, valued at $3,000, is essential for the mobile unit operations, which serves over 30,000 families across the region. Working to pry open the van, when they couldn't, the thieves resorted to using a hammer to force their way in, according to Miami Diaper Bank’s Executive Director, Gabriela Rojas in a statement obtained by NBC Miami. The loss of the generator equates to the potential provision of approximately 12,000 diapers – a significant shortfall for an organization that aids families who often struggle to afford such basic necessities.
Gabriela Rojas emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating to NBC Miami, "My first reaction was upset, because who steals from babies? This is obviously a baby or organization that serves babies.“ The generator not only powers the van for transport but also operates the air conditioning.
Despite the theft, the Miami Diaper Bank was determined not to cancel its upcoming events. Using other things like towels or toilet paper, families in need won't have to resort to reusing diapers to keep their children clean, Rojas told CBS News Miami. Rojas expressed gratitude that the thieves did not take the van itself, which would have significantly disrupted their service schedule.
Hialeah Police Department is currently investigating the incident. In the meantime, the Miami Diaper Bank will continue operations partially thanks to the generosity of the local community. The AT&T Pioneers of South Florida has pledged to donate a generator to the non-profit, ensuring that the mobile unit can return to full operational strength.
