Thieves target charity's van, sidelining volunteer operation

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston charity that sends life-saving medical equipment to clinics around the world finds itself in need of help after vandals targeted the charity's van.

"This time of year people are especially generous," said Project Cure Operations Director Sarrah LeMoss.

Volunteers with Project C.U.R.E. help collect medical supplies from hospitals to donate, and they're typically busy at this time of year, but the operations have been stalled for now.

The volunteer driver was ready to drive to the pickup locations when the truck made a weird sound. The catalytic converter had been cut from the bottom of the truck and stolen over the weekend.

"This is where they cut off the catalytic converter. You can see the clean line," says LeMoss.

The organization's only truck has remained parked all day. Supply pickups are now backed up.

"It's very important to stay on top of things, especially delivery and picking up supplies, people have taken time to prepare the donated supplies and they have them waiting. A lot of time they are blocking their loading docks," says LeMoss.

The non-profit estimates it will cost about $1,000 to replace it, but they'll have to rent a truck. Some days they pick up as much as $10,000 in supplies.

"Our sentiment here is that the Grinch came and stole our catalytic converter. It's kind of a funny item to steal," Lemoss. "They probably didn't know we are a non-profit. It's unfortunate that the little impediment of stealing this actually slows us down and affects people on the other side of the world."

Project Cure sends supplies to 130 developing countries. The most notable health crisis it's currently involved in is Ebola in West Africa.