MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) – A nonprofit that supports American Veterans found themselves victims of crime after several of their donation bins were stolen in Murfreesboro .
Leaders of AMVETS said the crime is twofold, not only impacting those who may be in need of clothing, but the mission of the veteran service organization.
New Fort Campbell VA Clinic expands access to health care for TN and KY veterans “If we can help them financially…if they’ve got a need, we will,” explained veteran Ron Bottomley, a longtime leader of AMVETS in Nashville.
AMVETS has drop box donation sites across the country, including hundreds in Tennessee where they collect goods to sale in their thrift stores. It’s one way the volunteer-led organization gets funding to support their mission. The National Executive Director of AMVETS said five of their bins were stolen in Murfreesboro, a crime that may seem petty, but hurts those like Bottomley.
“It angers me that somebody would want to take away from things that are supporting veterans; I don’t like that,” stated Bottomley.
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Bottomley said it’s a crime that doesn’t make sense while pointing out that the bins aren’t cheap.
“They are probably worth about $1,200 to $1,400 each,” he said, adding they are loaded with donated goods.
The National Executive Director of AMVETS said it’s likely the scrap metal that the thieves are looking to profit from. He said it’s a crime the organization has seen in other states, but that this is a first for Tennessee.
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“I can’t describe anger very well other than it really makes me mad and it hurts, too, that people would do that to take away from an organization that’s a nonprofit that’s whole service of existence is helping other people,” said Bottomley.
Police said they have taken reports of eight stolen bins since February from two different companies.
If you have any information about the thefts, call Detective Aaron Gonzalez at 629-201-5638 or email 0992@murfreesborotn.gov .
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