The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has been left in the lurch following the theft of a catalytic converter from an essential service vehicle.

The theft occurred on Wednesday, sometime between 6 and 7 a.m., at the charity's 585 York Street location.

The truck is used for transporting furniture as part of Saint Vincent's voucher program. It's the organization's only truck.

"Without the truck, we would not be able to do what we're doing," said store manager Judy Mepsted. "Our truck is very valuable to our business and to those that are in real need of these items."

London police confirmed the theft had been reported, but said no suspect information is available at this time.

Mepsted said that without the converter, the truck had to be towed to its dealership, where it awaits a new part. It will be out of commission for at least three days.

She said the truck is one of Saint Vincent's highest overhead costs. Now, the price of a rental has been added to this month's expenses, along with the replacement converter. She was unable to provide an exact figure but said it was an unprecedented financial hit to the non-profit.

Renting a stand-in truck is necessary, she said, as Saint Vincent de Paul is unable to pause operations and must continue to fulfill its mission statement.

"We do not want to ever delay our voucher programs," said Mepsted.

She says Saint Vincent's does take monetary donations, and she's asking the public to notify the police with any information regarding the theft.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul distributes food, furniture and clothing vouchers to those in need. The vouchers are then redeemed at its York Street thrift store.