JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville food truck owner whose livelihood was robbed from him and his family after his trailer was stolen right before Christmas has started a GoFundMe to raise money toward rebuilding his business.
After Perla Del Norte put out a call about the stolen trailer on social media, the local food truck community was instrumental in helping owner Lorenzo Perez locate his property.
But after nearly a week, he still had not recovered the trailer.
Perla Del Norte’s trailer disappeared from its usual spot on the Northside overnight between Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Perez said losing the trailer meant losing his livelihood.
“It’s terrible. It’s for supporting the family,” Perez said. “I need a job, this job for my family, my grandson, my granddaughter.”
To Be Frank Jax, another food truck business, started the GoFundMe to help Perez’s family.
The funds raised would support helping Perla Del Norte get back on its feet by replacing equipment, buying a new trailer or securing a temporary setup and covering lost income.
Robert Germano, owner of Trout River Food Park, is offering a $500 reward for the trailer’s return.
Germano said he found it especially frustrating that the trailer was stolen on Christmas.
“That’s his business. That’s how he supports his family. It’s not just something, vehicle stolen. That’s his job. That’s his business. And that’s how his family is involved in the business as well,” Germano added.
Perez has filed a police report with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information about the trailer is asked to contact Perez or the sheriff’s office.
If you would like to contribute to the fundraiser, click here.