A trailer similar to the one pictured here was stolen this week from the Niles Burn Run.

Niles Burn Run Inc. President Scott Roberts said a trailer valued at approximately $4,000 was stolen from Niles Burn Run earlier this week.

The 14-by-6 foot enclosed trailer was reported missing to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Wednesday night.

Niles Burn Run used the trailer to haul supplies to and from events, including the non-profit organization’s annual escorted motorcycle ride that raises funds for the Great Lakes Burn Camp, a place dedicated to supporting children who have sustained burn injuries.

Roberts said the trailer was not insured.

“In essence they are taking money right out of the hands of burn victims,” he said.

Roberts said the trailer was last seen Monday in the parking lot of Roberts Service Co. on South Third Street in Niles. He said he thinks it was taken either late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

Three plastic horse troughs used to store iced drinks during the Burn Run were also taken. They were inside the trailer.

Roberts described the trailer as all black with tandem axels.

“Unfortunately it has no distinguishing markings. It looks like any other black trailer out there,” he said.

“We need the trailer to move things and move stuff down to this year’s event. Now this forces us to take money that would’ve been donated to the Great Lakes Burn Camp and spend it on a trailer. It’s just unfortunate.”

At least one local business is saying it will help the Niles Burn Run recoup its losses.

Brown Funeral Home, of Niles, said it would donate $1,000 toward a new trailer. Brown Funeral Home also asked other businesses to contribute via a post on the Niles Burn Run’s Facebook page.

“The generosity of this community is amazing. I absolutely cannot thank them (Brown Funeral Home) and everybody else enough for the support that’s coming in,” Roberts said.

Niles Burn Run donated $20,000 to the Great Lakes Burn Camp last year.

This year’s Burn Run is scheduled for July 13-14 in downtown Niles.

Those wanting to help can contact Niles Burn Run at (269) 240-1942 or by email at NilesBurnRun@NilesBurnRun.com.

Follow them on Facebook or find them online at nilesburnrun.com.