A Palo Alto nonprofit group that serves people with disabilities was hit by burglars over the weekend, according to Palo Alto police.
Employees discovered the theft of approximately $1,630 in camping equipment from a shed on the property at 525 E. Charleston Road on April 5 and reported the incident to police at 12:36 p.m., Officer Sean Downey said.
The stolen items include first-aid kits, sleeping bags and five-gallon water jugs, according to a police report. There was no sign of forced entry.
Wendy Kuehnl, Abilities United marketing and communications director, said the organization was planning a camping trip for June and a second one in September. Up to 40 people, ages 18 to 60, attend, she said.
“Every year we offer camping trips for adults with developmental disabilities to develop life skills, socialization, experience nature, exercise, learn about astronomy, flora and fauna,” Kuehnl said. “In the past we’ve gone to Foothill Park and coastal camping areas.
“We’ll take the trip, but we have to find the funds to replace the equipment. Depending on how it impacts our budget we may have to do one trip rather than two,” she said.
Kuehnl said that anyone who wants to help replace the equipment can do so by calling 650-494-0550 or by visiting the website abilitiesunited.org and hit the donate button.
Sad. Anything we all can do to help the nonprofit restore its supplies?
This is just lower than low to steal from an organization that does so much good.
If you are moved to help Abilities United replace the stolen equipment, call (650) 494-0550 or visit the website, abilitiesunited.org and hit the donate button!
We are often in PA Downtown. People thereignore homeless like they don’t exist. Wed night, walking Uni Ave, a person with a speech disability in a wheelchair was asking for help. We heard & saw him from a distance. Many many people passed by. Couples, singles, younger, older, with children. No one stopped. No one.
When we came close & asked, turned out he needed someone to adjust bags behind the chair so he could continue moving.
Charity organizations we need, but what about how each & everyone of us behave everyday towards disable & disadvantaged & how we teach our kids to behave?
Abilities Unified is a wonderful nonprofit. So sad to hear.