Mars' truck was stolen

Hi community,

My name is Natalie Thoreson, and I'm fundraising to help my best friend replace their stolen truck. I'm creating this fundraiser on behalf of Mars Gaddis, a vibrant and vital member of our community who lives here in Oakland, CA.

On August 30, Mars' truck was stolen in just minutes while parked outside my apartment building in the Adam’s Point area of Oakland. Mars owned their truck for 21 years!! That's almost half their life!! Everyone in community with Mars knew the iconic Chevy truck, having ridden with them in it, hauled stuff, or even moved with Mars’ and their truck’s help. Mars lent me their truck on several occasions when I've moved or just had something larger that I needed to get from one place to another. When you donate, please share how you've benefitted or enjoyed your time in Mars' Chevy Silverado!

Although they hoped the truck would be located intact and without too much damage, it was found a week later, stripped to the chassis and discarded on a side street in East Oakland. I am hoping we can come together as a community to help care for Mars and their ability to travel independently by collecting some funds to replace their truck and help get them out of a bit of debt. It is unlikely that Mars will be able to afford a brand-new truck since prices are in the $30,000 to $40,000 range. And on top of that, insurance prices on their working-class income would make that kind of purchase pretty prohibitive. That said, the $25,000 that I am hoping to raise would go to the purchase of a used truck and the paying down of just a little bit of debt with the knowledge that Mars' insurance rates will definitely increase on a new-er used vehicle.

Like many of us, Mars has been working hard to survive and thrive in a system of capitalism that isn’t kind to those of us without the reliable safety net that can come with class privilege. I’m sure many of you can relate when you reflect on times you’ve been there too, and feeling like every time you get ahead, something happened to wipe it right out again. It’s an exhausting cycle, and even more challenging to feel like you’re navigating it alone. I know a lot of folks are struggling right now, especially as we head into a recession. Some of us aren't, though, having been lucky enough to be raised with or having found our way into class privilege.

Whether you have a little or a lot regarding financial resources, I know it would mean a lot to Mars if we each chipped in what we can to help them get a vehicle. Most of us work hard, but from personal experience, I can say that Mars works harder than most. Unfortunately, because of class systems, Mars doesn’t make as much money as they should. I hope Mars can see and feel that community has their back and can share our collective resources to support Mars' success. Thank you for what you can contribute!

Natalie Thoreson

You can also send donations in Marcella Gaddis' name directly to

Natalie Thoreson

265 Lee St, Apt 302

Oakland, CA 94610