Groups replace stolen scooter for disabled Arlington woman

ARLINGTON — Lori Miller is thankful for the generosity of strangers.

Again.

Miller recently received a new electric scooter. It was the second time people in the community have donated a scooter to the Arlington woman.

"It was such a humbling experience the first time," she said. "It’s overwhelming that someone would help me out again."

Miller, 42, lost her leg two years ago because of complications with a blood clot in her foot. She was struggling to deal with the change in her life when the Arlington Fire Department stepped in and put her in contact with its chaplains.

North Snohomish County Support Services found Miller a scooter so she could get her groceries and still be a "hands on" mom to her children, ages 11 and 12. But the red Sundance scooter was stolen from outside Miller’s apartment Sept. 25.

"I should have locked it up, but I couldn’t imagine someone taking it," she said. "They aren’t toys. The people who have them have them for a reason."

Support Services stepped in again.

"Sometimes people just need help," said services director and Arlington police and fire chaplain Dennis Sonsteby.

Arlington Adventist Community Services heard about the theft and agreed to donate another electric scooter to Miller.

"You can lose your faith in people when something bad happens," Miller said. "But I’ve been reminded again that there are so many good people out there."