KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasCommunity Comes to Aid of New Las Vegas Teacher

Community Comes to Aid of New Las Vegas Teacher

The Las Vegas community has opened their hearts to a new Clark County elementary school teacher who lost everything.          

Holly Shaffer accepted a job to teach 4th grade at Hickey Elementary School over the phone barely a week ago.  She, along with her fiance, quickly made the drive from a small town in Indiana to begin this new adventure in Las Vegas. 

However, less than 24 hours after arriving in town, someone stole her fiance's truck and the attached U-Haul which held all of their belongings.

Shaffer was devastated and thought no one would care about their misfortune but they were wrong.

Hundreds of people in Las Vegas have opened their hearts and wallets to help the couple. From the moment the story aired on Eyewitness News, the phones started ringing and the emails poured in with people offering to give whatever they could to help Holly Shaffer and her fiance Ben McClure.

"I just cannot believe it and. I just cannot believe it. I don't know what to say," said Holly Shaffer as she attempted to fight back tears.

"I have been crying all day and I feel like I can't cry anymore. My face is swollen. I don't even know what to say. I don't know what to say," Shaffer said.

Shaffer and McClure will get $20,000 in cash, another $5,000 in gift cards, and enough furniture to fill a home.  A large part of the coordination came from a local radio station and their morning show hosts Mark and Mercedes.

Donations came from people and businesses alike.  "The company itself is going to give $1000 donation," said Chris Szuhar, E-gads.

"I have been through a lot and that is a lot too," said Sherry Lyons, cab driver.

Station Casinos says it does have 24-hour security and surveillance cameras at its properties.  A spokesperson for Station Casinos says Sunset Station security is working with Henderson police.

Meantime, Stations is letting Holly Shaffer and her husband stay at the hotel for free and is also paying for all of the couple's meals. Stations says it has also given the Shaffers a brand new bedroom set and gift certificates to help them buy new clothes.

Henderson Police say they have had an enormous amount of tips, but have not found the truck or U-Haul trailer. The want the community to keep a look out for a

Police are still looking for a silver Chevy Silverado with Indiana plates 225581A, and a 12x6-foot U-Haul trailer attached. If you see it, please call police.

Police say it's unlikely Shaffer and McClure will ever find their items.

Station Casinos says it has 24-hour security and surveillance cameras at its properties.             A spokesman says Sunset Station security is working with Henderson Police.            

Meantime, Stations Casinos is letting Holly Shaffer and her fiance stay at the hotel for free and is also paying for all of the couple's meals. Stations says it has also given Shaffer a brand new bedroom set and gift certificates to help them buy new clothes.

Send feedback to reporter Edward Lawrence at elawrence@klastv.com