REMEMBER HOW WE told you that the Dublin Simon Community had their only van stolen? Well, they’ve had it replaced just in time for Christmas.

Their long-serving van was taken after a fun-run in October after and the charity’s spokesperson Aoife Mulhall said that coping without it has been difficult as they weren’t able to do as many clothing collections as they’d like.

They also say that it has been especially difficulty due to the increase in homelessness they have observed, with 139 people sleeping rough in the capital in November.

The stolen van was never found but the charity’s #findsimonvan appeal generated significant interest and Toyota Ireland stepped in to donate a new van. The new ’132′ registered van made its first delivery for Simon yesterday morning

Mulhall says that Toyota have been a long-time supporter of Simon’s work and their donation was much needed:

With the temperatures dropping in recent weeks we rely on clothing and other items, generously donated to us from our supporters. Without the old van we were unable to collect these items nor distribute them to our clients and therefore are extremely grateful to Toyota Ireland for their terrific support.

The community said that they also wished to thank people who helped as part of the appeal and indeed supported the community throughout the year.

Read: Dublin Simon Community has only van stolen by thieves >

Read: If you see children begging on the street, the ISPCC want you to report it >

Read: Number of families becoming homeless in Dublin has doubled – charity >