Stolen catalytic converter from delivery van threatens nonprofit’s mission to feed homeless kids

TUKWILA, Wash. — A mission to make sure the kids who need food the most in Tukwila is now in jeopardy after a thief stole the catalytic converter from the nonprofit’s delivery van.

“What we do is serve seven shelf-stable, kid-friendly meals to unhoused students that are experiencing food insecurity,” explained Carolyn Austin, interim Executive Director of the Tukwila Weekend SnackPack program.

On March 1, Austin said she discovered their van’s catalytic converter was gone. It happened in the parking lot of Foster Tukwila Presbyterian Church at 56th Avenue South and South 144th Street.

“It enraged me that this could have a long-term impact on our ability to support our students in the community and our cause,” Austin added.

The van is essential to their cause. It’s equipped with an automatic liftgate which can load and lift up heavy crates of food.

“Without our van here, it hinders and makes it very difficult to get these snack packs delivered,” Austin said.

The program delivers on Fridays to ensure kids have food for the weekend. It’s been a labor of love for the last seven years. Volunteers work to make sure the kids who need it most don’t go hungry. Right now, the program serves about 140 homeless students a week in the Tukwila School District.

“It’s our hope and our goal that when students return to school on Monday, that they’re able to focus on their academic goals,” Austin said.

Volunteers aren’t giving up. They still arrived to diligently pack up the snacks, in hopes that others will step up to help them fulfill their mission.

“We are hoping to rally the community, to step in and fill in the gaps until our vehicle is back up and running,” Austin said.

She’s hoping to get at least four volunteers on Fridays at 9 a.m. to distribute the bags to schools in Tukwila.

She’s also asking anyone who saw anything suspicious between Feb. 25 and March 1 at the church to contact Tukwila Police.

If you want to help, go to Tuksnackpack.com.

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