Hi, I’ve never done a Go-Fund-Me before, but someone needs to do it.

Bill Marsh, my 93 year-old grandfather, a Korean War veteran, loyal husband, father of three, grandfather of five, and great-grandfather of thirteen (soon to be fourteen), had his car stolen while showing it to a “prospective buyer” in the Target parking lot on March 20th.

The thief snatched the keys from my father and brother (showing it for Grandpa) hopped in the vehicle, locked the doors, and sped off! Many of us have sold items through Facebook Marketplace, but we found out later that this crook was a pro…he’d created a fake profile the day before and used a picture of a dog for his pic. His profile disappeared the same day…

Grandpa’s truck was insured with liability coverage only, and regrettably was his one remaining asset. He was selling his truck to pay for property taxes on his house, which has been on a reverse mortgage for as long as I can remember. So, there you have it.

The police were immediately notified and a police report was filed. The police report is available through the City of Independence (Missouri) for anyone who wishes to call and verify: [teléfono redactado] / Case #2023-18271.

FYI so others can learn from Grandpa’s experience. The police officer shared that the best place to sell a car or anything of value is at the police station (not a Target parking lot, in our case). Not like they’d be able to do much if anything went down, but the location itself definitely helps deter crooks.

Grandpa’s truck was listed for $7,000 but he said he’d take $6,500 for it. That would have gotten him through the next few years of property taxes and provided some financial relief to him. Social Security and the VA have been good to him, but just enough to cover living expenses and the basics.

Grandpa has lived a simple, honest, hardworking life and has never asked for a dime from anyone. And he’s so stubborn he wouldn’t ask for help even now given his unfortunate state. So I’m asking on his behalf. Anything you could do to help Grandpa would be greatly appreciated…every little bit helps.

Kindness goes a long way in this crazy world we live in…Lord knows we need more of it. On behalf of my grandpa, Bill Marsh and our entire family, thank you for your generosity and support.