Peace man! Van stolen 35 years ago to help homeless women and children impacted by domestic violence

1965 VW van stays true to its roots, helps people

Insurance company Allstate auctioned off the stolen VW van that was recovered 35 year later in a bid to help homeless women and their children.

Allstate has a long and proud history of supporting domestic violence survivors," said Michelle Lee, field vice president of Allstate's northwest region. "It's our hope that the tremendous public interest in this unique vehicle and its unique history will translate into a significant contribution to Lydia Place.

Lydia Place, founded in 1989, is a nonprofit organization in Washington state serving homeless women and children.

There are several unique things about this story. Firstly, the long gap between the theft and recovery of the vehicle.  Secondly, the fact that the van had recently had a complete restoration and was on its way to Germany, so it was actually in better shape than when it was stolen.

You can view the amazing restoration job performed on the van in this linked slideshow.
Sadly, the German buyer of the van is reportedly out more than $20,000 but the fact that the van will make the lives of those who have suffered greatly a little better must provide some solace.


The van ended up selling for $29,573.50.

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