Van used to take Detroit kids in need to school stolen, owner needs it back

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A van used to transport homeless and displaced children to and from school stolen by some heartless thieves.

"I'm a bit overwhelmed," said Tasha Montgomery. "I'm trying to stay positive and encouraged but some people are going to go without."

It may not have seemed like much - a simple van over 15 years old - but it helped countless families in Detroit.
 
"That van has sentimental value," Montgomery said. "As well as it is going to make a difference in the community. It is going to have an impact on some children and their lives."

With Shuttle Time Express Transportation, Tasha Montgomery says her brother, who, with a passion for education, inspired her to help local children and their families.

"My brother was a Wayne County Sheriff for 28 years became ill," she said. "And we wanted to do something to honor him."

Her brother spent 31 days in the ICU, fighting for his life. Montgomery purchased a van earlier this year and as her brother, pulled through, her passion continued. She used the van to drive children, some displaced and even homeless, to school.
 
"We want to make sure that kids are getting back and forth to school," Montgomery said. "So that they can stay active in their schoolwork and not let the home situation affect them so much."

But Sunday morning Montgomery says, one of their newer drivers parked the van on Lothrop near Linwood right near their home. By 7:30 that morning, it was stolen.

The van is a medium blue 2001 Dodge Caravan Sport with rust on the bottom and it has a customized Michigan license plate SET PM6.

"That's Shuttle Time Express Transportation, his initials and his date of birth," Montgomery said.

The van also has a huge logo with the words "Get ready, get set, go..." along with the transportation company's phone number. 

Montgomery has a message to the person who took it.

"Please park the van, give us a call, let us help you as well," Montgomery said. 

She said she feels disappointed and desperate as school has started back up Monday. Montgomery is now hoping for a helping hand herself.

"We need to come together as a community and help each other and not tear each other down," she said. "So I'm just praying we work it out and we get the van back."

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