Sometime between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, much-needed loaner bikes, clothing, gear and a quad were snatched from a volunteer-run BMX track in Sun Valley.

John Crabtree, president of Reno BattleBorn BMX Track, estimated between $7,500 and $10,000 worth of "instrumental" equipment was taken from a storage trailer on the property.

"Kids want to play sports, but sometimes they can't afford it," Crabtree said Thursday. "We like to have all of this loaner gear there in order for all kids to participate."

Crabtree said at least five bikes were stolen along with clothing and other gear needed to race. He said a donated quad equipped with specialty tires and rims "to help pack down the track and keep it safe" was also taken from the facility.

On the day after Christmas, Crabtree and his 14-year-old son went to the track and "intended to put in a full day of work," he said. However, when they arrived, they found "the locks were broken" and equipment was gone.

"Honestly, the first thing that went through my mind was the fact that we weren't going to be able to have the track ready in time for the kids on January 6," he said noting the date was reserved for the track's season opener race.

"I'm not going to have bikes for these kids," he said. "We do this to see the kids have fun, smile, make friends - that's what hurts the most."

Crabtree grew up in Sun Valley racing BMX. Fourteen years ago, he started to share his passion with his kids, and two years ago, Crabtree took over the track and has made major remodels to make the area family-oriented and kid-friendly.

"Our lives revolve around BMX, the community and promoting this sport," he said. "It's really important to us. Sun Valley is my home and I like to be able to help the local community out there.

"Our motto is: For the community, by the community. Everything is 100 percent for these kids."

If you would like to donate

Donations can be dropped off at Reno BattleBorn BMX Track located at 115 West Sixth Street in Sun Valley or contact John Crabtree on Facebook or at battlebornbmx@gmail.com