Trailer Theft Hurts Religious Retreat for Disabled

Trailer Theft Hurts Religious Retreat For Disabled

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.



12 Comments


Golo

Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.

You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.

View Comments View Comments

Ask Anything
  1. Greg Fishel
    10 questions with Greg Fishel

    WRAL's chief meteorologist answers your questions about severe weather, snow and why he loves his job.

  2. WRAL.com moderator
    10 questions with a WRAL.com moderator

    A WRAL.com moderator answers your questions about comments on stories, abuse reports and more.

  3. Bryan Beatty
    10 questions with N.C. Secretary of Crime Control & Public Safety

    Bryan Beatty answers your questions about homeland security, gang prevention and illegal immigrants.

Multimedia
  1. People_Robbins_Star
    The week in entertainment

    The newsmakers in the entertainment world this week as seen through the lenses of Associated Press photographers' cameras.

  2. India Hindu Festival
    Photos of the week

    See the major events of the week as caught in the lenses of Associated Press photographers.

  3. Australia_Markets
    Global financial meltdown

    A look at the global impact of the financial crisis, with market data and summaries of plans for several countries.

  4. John McCain, Barack Obama
    Compare attack ads

    The Associated Press evaluates two negative ads getting attention in the presidential campaign.

  5. Sen. John McCain
    Campaign Trail Photos of the Week

    View photos from the past week on the campaign trail from AP photographers around the country.

Multimedia
  1. People_Robbins_Star
    The week in entertainment

    The newsmakers in the entertainment world this week as seen through the lenses of Associated Press photographers' cameras.

  2. India Hindu Festival
    Photos of the week

    See the major events of the week as caught in the lenses of Associated Press photographers.

  3. Australia_Markets
    Global financial meltdown

    A look at the global impact of the financial crisis, with market data and summaries of plans for several countries.

  4. John McCain, Barack Obama
    Compare attack ads

    The Associated Press evaluates two negative ads getting attention in the presidential campaign.

  5. Sen. John McCain
    Campaign Trail Photos of the Week

    View photos from the past week on the campaign trail from AP photographers around the country.