A Hemel Hempstead charity is appealing for donations after their minibus was broken into and set on fire on March 7.
Community Action Dacorum provides low-cost transport for elderly, disability, faith, and youth groups to help transport their members to organised activities or a meeting place.
The charity has set up a fundraising page and hopes to raise £10,000 by next month to replace the vehicle.
Community transport manager Deborah Fogden said: “How does this mindless theft make me feel? Pretty angry to be honest. At the time, it was disbelief that anyone could do such a thing and I was really hoping that the minibus was still in its parking place, and it had all been a mistake!
“Not only has it caused me extra work to try to still cover our existing hires, I am really worried that we will not be able to purchase a suitable vehicle in the near future and the impact this will have on the people that we support.
“I really hope we don’t have to cancel bookings. The particular bus that was stolen was used for our D2S and day tripper clubs as well as for community groups and charities to transport the elderly, probably helping between 250 to 300 people a month.”
“The thieves broke the glass on the side door to gain access to the vehicle then hotwired it and drove it off before abandoning and setting light to it on Green End Lane. I felt gutted and put my head in my hands. My colleagues thought something had happened at home as I was so upset.”
If you would like to donate, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/minibus-capital-fundraising?fbclid=IwAR1Eda3EXeq75-ZlH05zRDRpgrWdDMNoZfU-Ps9ROfymX2U-WCmMO25cgvE
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