Girl's Stolen Wheelchair Replaced By A CBS13 Viewer

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- We ran a story in our 5 p.m. newscast about an 11-year-old Roseville girl whose mother's car as stolen. And inside the car was the girl's wheelchair.

After we aired that story in our 5 p.m. newscast, the phones in our newsroom started ringing.

Charla Guthrie's wheelchair is hardly used. It's about to take a special journey to a little girl whose heartbreaking story opened up the hearts of so many of our viewers -- viewers like Charla.

"This was a terrible thing for somebody to do," said Charla.

Several people called to offer their wheelchairs, but this one seemed like the best fit because it's collapsible. We talked with Mariah's mom and she told Mariah that a wheelchair is on the way.

For Mariah, the chair is more than just a replacement, it is an improvement. It's sturdier, and has better wheels.

"I like it. It's better than the other one because it's higher up," said Mariah.

We also showed Mariah a list of some of our viewers offering to help by either donating a wheelchair or offering to help out with some money.

"It's just overwhelming. I can't believe the generosity of so many people. The amounts they're offering, the help they're offering -- it's tremendous. It's wonderful," said Angela, Mariah's mother.

For Mariah, the new year begins with renewed faith in people. There are far more good than bad.

"It's a good feeling and I hope the little girl will use it and it will help her," said Charla.

"I feel like people actually do care about us and our family," said Mariah.

"Thank you so much," said Angela.

Mariah plans to call Charla to thank her personally for the wheelchair.

As for the one that was stolen, and the car it was inside, police still don't have any leads.