The Auburn Food Bank that was reportedly stolen from its property on Oct. 30 turned up last Friday night in Kent, according to Debbie Christian, food bank executive director.
The vehicle is a lifeline to the food bank in transporting donations throughout Auburn.
Police found the van abandoned, in relatively good shape and a depository of various items.
“The thieves left us lots of gifts,” Christian said. “It’s fully outfitted with three bikes, a deep fryer, a Bissell steam cleaner, drum, computer, socks, toothpaste, clothing, makeup, coats and hot dog grillers, the kind you see at 7-Eleven’s.
“(They) wrote graffiti on places inside and (left) a ‘curt’ message on the outside of the driver’s door – basically telling anyone coming to the door that they weren’t interested in talking,” Christian added. “They didn’t damage it, except they took a radio speaker out. And they left us with a half-tank of gas.”
During the van’s disappearance, the community pitched in.
“Way Scarff gave us a small replacement van to help,” Christian said. “I’ve had a lot of calls for support.”
The public’s help was sought in trying to track down the white, 2000 Dodge Ram van.
“Thank you to everyone in the community who kept an eye out for it,” a City of Auburn Facebook post said.
To donate or to help, reach the food bank at 253-833-8925 or at theauburnfoodbank.org or on Facebook.
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