Since Just Food opened in 2009, the organization’s truck has been its “workhorse” — hauling mulch, gleaning fields and pulling parade floats.
But after the truck was stolen out of the Douglas County food bank’s parking lot last week, and recovered a few days later in Leavenworth with severe damage, one of its key operational tenets is now at risk.
In a Facebook post Tuesday, the organization said it discovered that the cost of repairs needed to make the truck operational outpace its total value. So it’s asking the community for donations in order to purchase a used replacement truck.
“The damage included two windows broken, the rearview mirror broken, the starter destroyed, and the driver’s seat ruined,” the post said. “The damage on the truck is extensive, and the repairs needed for it to be back in working condition far exceeds the value of the truck.”
The organization is raising funds through Classy, a nonprofit fundraising platform. It had raised $1,439 of its $25,000 goal as of just after noon Wednesday.
Just Food works with nearly 30 community partners to provide fresh produce, dairy products, meat, bread and pantry staples. And Tuesday through Friday, the organization operates a food pantry at 1000 E. 11th St. that serves between 150 and 300 families daily, according to the organization’s website.
