Crime & Safety
Help Needed To Restock Looted Ministry Vehicle; 2 Collections Dates Set At Area Church
Thieves broke into the Mercy Mobile that was stocked with supplies for South Bay homeless. Have extra winter wear or blankets? (Breaking)
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA – A recreational vehicle stocked with items for the homeless was burglarized earlier this week in San Jose when someone broke into the Mercy Mobile, a pastor who runs the ministry said Friday.
Pastor Scott Wagers said he learned of the theft Thursday at about 9:30 p.m. when he stopped by the 37-foot RV, which was parked at East William and South 19th streets.
He thinks the burglars took the items and also ransacked the RV Wednesday evening or Wednesday night.
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"They took everything we had pretty much," Wagers said.
The Mercy Mobile delivers food, clothing and other necessities to the homeless, which he said number about 5,000 in the area.
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St. Timothy's Lutheran Church in the Cambrian Park/Blossom Hill area will be collecting donated items on Sunday and Wednesday for the Mercy Mobile restocking effort.
Items needed include sleeping bags, blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves, socks, coats, or such hygiene goods as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bandages, razors and hand-sanitizer.
Those wishing to contribute can bring their items to the church site at 5100 Camden Ave. in San Jose on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., said Joe Hill, St. Timothy's director of Youth and Family Ministries.
Wagers said other churches, which provide many of the things he gives to the homeless, and one politician also have responded to help.
Church officials have given sweaters and clothing and an aide to Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese told Wagers that the supervisor is committed to helping him restock the vehicle.
Wagers said the homeless will need warm clothes such as sweaters, coats and warm socks and sleeping bags as the temperature drops next week.
Other opportunities to give this holiday season in the South Bay:
- Local Attorney Montgomery S. Pisano Helping Soles4Souls Wear Out Poverty
- Help Make South Bay Child's Wish Come True This Holiday Season
- Mountain View Police Accepting Donations For 'Cops That Care'
- Campbell Community Toy Program Is Underway
--Bay City News contributed to this report/Images via Mercy Mobile
