Trailer stolen from West Toledo food pantry

A utility trailer at the Toledo and Northwest Ohio Cornucopia center was stolen Tuesday.

Just before Thanksgiving, one of the core pieces of equipment was stolen from a food pantry that provides assistance to families in need. 

A trailer, which was locked to a vehicle at the Toledo and Northwest Ohio Cornucopia center, was stolen on Tuesday, according to a Toledo police report. There was nothing on the trailer bed when it was taken. 

The trailer plays a key role in the organization’s survival, said the center’s Director of Community Outreach Jan Burgard-Moore. The center, located at 3174 Bellevue Road in West Toledo, assists 350 to 400 a week with food, clothing, or toiletries, she said. 

“It’s our livelihood. It’s how we pick up donations for the center,” she said. 

Ms. Burgard-Moore said it’s important to make sure the organization continues to get donations to those in need, especially around the holidays. A special meal can do wonders to someone’s day, she said. 

“I think, at least, when they’re getting a meal, they have something they look forward to,” Ms. Burgard-Moore said.

Every Wednesday, volunteers go to the Seagate Food Bank to collect donations. The food is typically organized in pallets, which can then be placed onto the trailer, said Ms. Burgard-Moore.

However, without the trailer, more volunteers are required to unload the items and pack them into their vehicles.

Ms. Burgard-Moore said Wednesday volunteers waiting in line at the food bank and the center should be prepared for the next week. It’s the next coming weeks without their main piece of equipment that worries her. 

“Today, we’ll probably be fine. But then we start all over again. Especially with winter, it’s harder to get people to volunteer,” she said. 

Anyone with information should contact the Toledo Police Crime Stopper program at 419-255-1111.

Contact Allison Reamer at areamer@theblade.com, 419-724-6506 or on Twitter @AllisonRBlade.