Nonprofit's van has gas line cut for the second time in less than a year

DENVER (KDVR) — A Denver area nonprofit needs your help to continue its mission after someone intentionally damaged its van for the second time in less than a year.

Jessica Bachus founded Kenzi’s Causes in 2007, bringing joy to underprivileged kids around Colorado in honor of her stillborn daughter, Kenzi.

The organization's van, painted with a bear and the nonprofit’s logo, is more than just a vehicle.

“It truly is a lifeline for our organization and for our program," said Bachus.

The van has helped them deliver thousands of toys, school supplies and other basic needs over the years to disadvantaged kids across the state.

"We can fit a lot more barrels in the back of our van than we can fit in the back of our cars," said Bachus.

Last week, an employee took the van out. Not long after she left, she noticed something was wrong.

“She realized that it was starting to smell like gas and got out and looked and realized that for the second time in less than a year, someone had cut the line of our gas tank," said Bachus.

Both times, the gas line was cut while the van sat in front of the organization’s building, and the first was a costly repair.

“It was over $2,000," said Bachus.

She expects this time to be around the same, eating into the money typically spent on toys for Christmas gifts.

“Every dollar truly makes a difference," says Bachus. "We’re a very small staff so we make sure our money goes back to our programming.”

With the van out of commission for now, Bachus asks for donations to help counteract the repair costs and keep spreading joy to the kids of Colorado.

"It would just be awesome if we could raise enough money to fix the van and not have to pull from our toy shop funds," she says.

Bachus says they have already raised a few hundred dollars since the van was damaged and she is thankful for any amount they bring in. You can find a link to the donation page here.