Trailer Theft Hurts Religious Retreat for Disabled

Raleigh, N.C. — A spiritual retreat for mentally and physically disabled adults is in jeopardy after a trailer containing supplies was stolen in Raleigh.

The trailer was filled with supplies for Biblical dramas the retreat participants put on, organizers said.

"It had our props. It had our costumes. It had everything," said Amy Moore, the organizers' daughter. Amy has autism and lives in a group home that participates in the retreat.

The retreat is missing dozens of robes, crosses, "costumes for Jesus and John the Baptist and disciples," said Carol Moore, who has organized the retreat with her husband, Chuck Moore, for the past 10 years.

Without those supplies, participants will get less enjoyment from performing the Biblical dramas, Carol said.

"They just live for this. They feel and experience the story," Carol said. "Those (the costumes and props) are the visual stimuli. Those things are gone."

Retreat participants said they're disappointed by the theft.

"Who in his right mind would this kind of thing? Who?" asked Tommy Onorato, a retreat participant and group home resident.

This year's retreat, which is scheduled in less than a month, will go on, despite the theft, organizers said.

Several area churches have donated their costumes to help out the retreat.

Chuck said he'd be willing to overlook the theft if the costumes and other supplies returned.

"We have to go. We have to have the faith that he will prepare us and equip us to do what he's called us to do. Trust in God," Carol said.

Raleigh police are searching for a 1997 black trailer with an aluminum top.