Nonprofit covers cost of Avondale boy’s stolen wheelchair

PHOENIX — A nonprofit group has stepped up to cover the cost of a wheelchair that was stolen from the home of an Avondale boy last week.

West Valley Mavericks Foundation presented 9-year-old Eli with a check Thursday for the purchase of a new wheelchair.

Eli relies heavily on the use of a custom-built wheelchair to assist him in day-to-day activities because of a medical condition.

Avondale police, along with the Southwest Lending Closet of Avondale, provided Eli a temporary wheelchair in the meantime so he can continue daily activities.

The Avondale Police Officers Association is also raising money to assist the family with additional medical expenses.

The wheelchair was reported stolen on May 12 at the home near 113th Avenue and Buckeye Road.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Avondale police at 623-333-7001.

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