Van stolen that was used to supply Good Neighbors food pantry in Akron's Goodyear Heights

It was business as usual Monday at the Good Neighbors food pantry.

Volunteers were busy sorting and organizing some 3,000 pounds of food from canned goods to fresh vegetables to help those in need.

But one thing was missing. The volunteers discovered the nonprofit's trusty cargo van wasn't in its covered parking spot right next to the food pantry. The agency called Akron police, who are now investigating the theft.

The loss of the van is critical, said George Camilletti, a volunteer and trustee of the organization, not so much from a monetary standpoint — it was 14 years old and showing signs of wear — but for the service it provided.

Camilletti said the van is used four days a week to pick up food from the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and other donations that are in turn distributed to about 750 families who rely on the food pantry to put meals on the dinner table.

It appears someone cut the lock on a fence and then stole the vehicle.

While the agency sorts out an insurance claim and determines if it will even provide enough money to replace the vehicle, Camilletti said, Good Neighbors is renting a U-Haul truck to pick up supplies from the food bank's Akron distribution center.

"We would rather spend the money helping families," he said.

Good Neighbors has been around since 1957 and was founded by friends Laura McClure and Frances Watson in Akron's North Hill neighborhood with a simple mission to help families in need. The organization now has locations in Akron's Ellet neighborhood and the Centenary United Methodist Church, Cuyahoga Falls, Tallmadge, Green and Goodyear Heights.

More:Good Neighbors applauded for efforts in the Falls.

This is the first time the Goodyear Heights location has had a problem with a theft.

As news spreads about the stolen van, said Debi Foss, the organization's administrative assistant and treasurer, folks have been reaching out expressing sadness about the loss.

"We can't believe how many people are offering to help," she said.

For now, Camilletti said, the goal is continuing doing what they have been doing for decades.

"The mission is still to help people," he said.

Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Good Neighbors food pantry van in Akron's Goodyear Heights stolen