A downtown Las Vegas charity is reeling after thieves swiped a U-Haul packed with more than $30,000 in Thanksgiving donations, wiping out months of collected food, clothing and supplies in one night and leaving volunteers scrambling to rebuild what they had just given away.
The GiveBack told KTNV the truck was stolen late Thursday after volunteers had spent the day serving hundreds of people at the annual "Gobble Gobble GiveBack" event. Group president Adan Van Dam said the loss "has devastated us." The charity estimates the total value of the items inside the U-Haul at more than $30,000.
Where The Giveaway Happened
The GiveBack lists the Gobble Gobble GiveBack at The Llama Lot in downtown Las Vegas, noting that the yearly event provides meals, clothing, and hygiene kits to thousands of people. The group says the outreach depends on months of collected donations and an army of volunteers to pull it off.
What Was Inside The Stolen Truck
According to KTNV, the missing U-Haul was loaded with rentals, signage, merchandise, and essential donated goods that were supposed to go to families and shelters after the event. The truck reportedly carried Arizona license plates AH76886. Anyone with information is urged to call the LVMPD non-emergency line at 311 or contact Crime Stoppers at crimestoppersofnv.com.
Holiday Donation Thefts Hitting Elsewhere
This is not the only holiday charity hit by thieves this season. Similar incidents have disrupted donation drives around the country, forcing organizers to scramble at the last minute to replace stolen food and supplies. A nonprofit in California recently lost hundreds of Thanksgiving turkeys when a truck was stolen, showing how widespread the problem can be, according to WFTV.
How To Help Or Report Tips
GiveBack is asking for both tips and community support. The group’s website lists ways to donate, volunteer, and contact organizers. For details on how to pitch in or connect with the charity, visit The GiveBack. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call LVMPD at 311 or submit a tip to Crime Stoppers.
