ELKHART — Scrap metal thieves stole a wheelchair lift from a non profit agency in Elkhart. It was supposed to go to a South Bend child with cerebral palsy.

WSBT News first brought you the story on Monday. Since then, we've received dozens of calls from people who want to help. And that could mean a new lift for the little boy.

Like many parents, Joe and Mary Ann Teller love watching their son grow.

Three-year-old Andrew has cerebral palsy.

Now, getting him in and out of the house is becoming more of a challenge.

“It is becoming progressively difficult, and as Andrew grows it’s probably going to get more difficult,” Joe told WSBT News.

The Tellers were supposed to get a deal on a wheelchair lift, but scrap metal thieves had a different idea. They stole it from a place called Wheelchair Help in Elkhart.

"I just thought, ‘What are we going to do?’ because this seemed like a very rare opportunity and I wasn't sure that we would have another one like this, that would be something that would be financially feasible for us,” Mary said.

“It was kind of heartbreaking that it was stolen and sent to the scrap heap,” Joe said.

Since word of the theft was made public, the agency says it has received inquiries and phone calls from people wanting to know if donations can be made to help the family get another wheelchair lift.

"We decided to start a fund. The retail cost on this could be as much as $7,000, so we are really looking forward to helping this family get the lift that they need,” said Darlene Lidy with Wheelchair Help.

"Seeing that the community cares and is moved by our burden is extremely touching,” Joe said.

“We’re speechless and very touched that people would be so generous for a family that they didn't even know,” Mary said.

If you'd like to donate, you can send a contribution to:

The Andrew Teller Fund
c/o Wheelchair Help
1201 Richmond Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 295-2230