Valley non-profit for kids with disabilities hit by vandals for 5 straight days

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's been a tough few days for United Cerebral Palsy of Central California.

"One of our buses' catalytic converter was stolen, another bus' gas tank was drilled into, and we have three vehicles, the gas lines of which were cut and of course gas was stolen," says Cher Arambell.

Arambell says the vandals are now forcing them to spend over $5,000 to make the repairs.

And it's not the first time the organization has coughed up cash for something like this.

Last July, surveillance video shows a thief with buckets stealing gas from under buses during the middle of the day.

"We are scrambling for vehicles, it makes it much harder for every single student," says Arambell.

Some of those students have autism, Down Syndrome or cerebral palsy.

But their disability does not stop them from coming here to learn job skills, get basic care needs, and express their creativity through art.

That is now being impacted by someone who is limiting them even more than their disability.

"It's heartbreaking when I'm writing a grant that I'd love to see support a 3D printer for our students... and instead that's going to have to pay for a new gas tank," says Arambell.

With little money to spare and not enough spots for secured parking, the organization is hoping someone in the community might be able to help them help those in need.

"We'd love to partner with a business that might have a safer location for us to put our vehicles," says Arambell.

The organization's director says they filed police reports for the incidents.

If you want to help UCP of Central California with secured parking, you can reach out to them on social media or call 559-221-8272.