ST. LOUIS — Kids who rely on rides from Annie Malone Children and Family Services Crisis Center had a reason to smile on Wednesday.
Back in January, someone hopped their gate on Page Boulevard and stole a 2017 KIA Soul that staff says was used to rescue children who were in "bad situations."
"They help kids that are stationed with us get to doctors, get to school," said Keisha Lee, CEO.
The organization's current vans have been with them since 2004 and had ripped seats and broken doors.
"It's just no way for children to ride around and for it to be safe," she added.
With the help of more than $113,000 raised from registration to the organization's largest fundraiser, the annual Annie Malone May Day Parade, Lee told 5 On Your Side that they were able to purchase two new Ford vans to use.
One was already in the lot on Wednesday. Some of the kids were glad to see how fresh the seats were and all the new features.
Leftover funding would be used for other programs under the organization's extensive umbrella.
Crisis Supervisor Irene James, who has been with the center for 17 years, noted it was nice to value her kids' needs.
"We listen to them. Moreso, we treat them like family, we don't treat them like a kid that's coming off the street," James said.
Annie Malone Children and Family Services serve more than 2,500 families in St. Louis through their 24-hour crisis center, Services for Adolescents and Families Empowered Recovery (SAFER) Program, therapeutic services, and much more.
Kids in the summer camp program will use the van for a field trip to Grant's Farm on Thursday.
The organization has its sights set on a new playground next.