The theft happened sometime between Friday afternoon and Monday morning at Paschall Park, according to the Mesquite Police Department. Thieves cut the locks on the trailers and took landscaping tools, tables, chairs, tents and supplies, the nonprofit said.

“I was devastated. I was in shock,” said Jonathan Chitty, executive director of Keep Mesquite Beautiful. “I couldn't believe that someone would come and take from a nonprofit.”

Chitty said the organization has spent years accumulating its equipment, relying on fundraising to pay for the tools that support its mission.

The loss reaches beyond the group’s own events. Keep Mesquite Beautiful partners with Mesquite ISD schools through its Green Team program, providing students with supplies for campus cleanups. Volunteer and teacher Victoria Lopez called the theft “a big setback.”

“We use those grabbers, the vests, the trash bags, the gloves that they provide for us,” Lopez said. “Without Keep Mesquite Beautiful and without the resources that they give us, none of that is possible.”

The equipment is also deployed after severe weather and to assist residents who may lack the tools needed for cleanup and beautification work.

Chitty said the organization will have to work to replace the stolen items, but he is holding out hope that those responsible will return them.

“We hope that you will find it in your heart to do the right thing and bring our stuff back. And at this point, all is forgiven on my side. I just need our supplies to help us continue doing the work that we do in our community,” he said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the theft to contact the Mesquite Police Department.