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Friends Raise Thousands For Trailer Theft Victim

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A story of stolen property is now one of generosity for one Twin Cities man.

WCCO shared the story last month of how thieves took off with Matt Stepaniak's utility trailer from the parking lot of his Bloomington apartment.

He used the trailer to haul his wheelchairs when he needed to travel.

After hearing his story, Matt's friends -- like Ryc Lyden -- wanted to help. Lyden started a GoFundMe campaign.

Matt Stepaniak
Matt Stepaniak (credit: CBS)

"I set up the page, not any clue what was going to happen," Lyden said. "Within about an hour, I got a $300 donation. It brought tears to my eyes."

Stepaniak also could not believe the outpouring of support.

"I've heard from people that I worked with 25 years ago," Stepaniak said.

The GoFundMe page had $4,000 for a new trailer within four days. Meanwhile, a local company out of Howard Lake called First Rate Trailers also wanted to help.

They worked with Stepaniak to build a trailer that would suit him.

Just over two weeks after his trailer was taken, he has a new, larger storage unit.

"When people know, they help," Stepaniak said. "When people know situations in entirety, they help."

Stepaniak is now storing his new trailer and a different and more secure location.

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