Strangers step up after vehicle stolen, girl's wheelchair inside: "There's good people out there"

MILWAUKEE -- After thieves stole a vehicle containing a young girl's wheelchair and special equipment, comes an outpouring of support that will renew your faith in people.

On Sunday night, December 20th, FOX6 News introduced you to seven-year-old Amor and her mother, Brittany Robertson.

The family recently moved to Milwaukee from Georgia. Robertson says she didn't realize the auto theft problem in Milwaukee was this bad until Friday morning, December 18th.

Brittany Robertson and Amor

She was getting her daughter Amor ready for school. Amor has a neurological disorder called Rett Syndrome. Her mom describes the disorder as being trapped in one's own body.

Robertson went outside her mother's home near 55th and Custer, where the family has been staying since moving from Georgia. Robertson started the car, and then went back inside. Amor was ready for school.

"She was already ready. Got back outside and the car was not there," Robertson said.

Robertson says she was more upset about what was in the trunk than she was that her car had been stolen.

"My initial reaction was, her wheelchair was in the car," Robertson said.

Amor

Amor's wheelchair is specialized, and fitted to her small body. It cost thousands of dollars, and it could be months before Amor could get a replacement.

After we shared the story on Sunday night, FOX6 got calls and emails all day on Monday from folks who want to help.

One of those people on Monday gave this family a priceless gift.

A special delivery for Amor was delivered in Milwaukee -- driven all the way from Madison. A man who asked that we call him "Jeff" donated his daughter's old wheelchair to Amor.

Jeff meets with Amor and Brittany Robertson

Jeff's daughter also has Rett Syndrome.

Jeff spent an hour fitting the chair to Amor's body.

"Moving back to Wisconsin, I didn't expect what happened to happen. But to know there's still good people out there, it really made our morning," Brittany Robertson said.

Jeff works to fit replacement wheelchair to Amor's body

Without her wheelchair, Amor has had to miss school.

"This is her first week at her new school, or last week was. She started last week Tuesday, so it's essential that she's there so they can get to know her," Robertson said.

Amor's new replacement wheelchair

Robertson says she spotted her stolen vehicle out in Milwaukee on Saturday. When she approached the vehicle outside a Walgreens store, police say the suspects took off.

A 51-year-old woman who was in the Walgreens parking lot was hit. She suffered non life-threatening injuries.

They don't have their vehicle back, but Amor and her family couldn't be happier that she has a replacement wheelchair. And there was another gift for Amor on Monday as well. A complete stranger dropped off a doll bed.

Gift for Amor from a stranger

They're thoughtful gifts for a young girl in need -- and a reminder that there are good people in this world who truly do care.

"I'm still surprised at the amount of love and people that have poured in and put in their time to come and think of us," Robertson said.

Amor and her mother, Brittany Robertson

On Tuesday morning, December 22nd, FOX6's Gino Salomone and WKLH will host a fundraiser and gift drive for Amor's family. That begins at 7:00 a.m.

If you would like to help the Robertson Family, donations can be made to WaterStone Bank. CLICK HERE to find a branch near you.  Checks payable to WaterStone Bank (note Brittany Robertson fund). The account will be open through January 31st, 2016.

Police continue to search for the suspects and the stolen vehicle in this case. The stolen vehicle is described as a 2013 red Hyundai Accent, with license plate: 259-UFH. The vehicle has some driver's side bumper damage.

If you have any information that could help police, you're asked to give them a call.