NORFOLK, Neb. -- A public transportation service in northeast Nebraska is in need of the public's help to resume services, and it's working on a quick timeline.

North Fork Area Transit based in Norfolk closed its doors on January 6th, but there is potentially light at the end of the tunnel, if NFAT can gather community financial support.

"We have all been working very, very hard every day to try and get certain services back in place," said Lacy Kimes, vice president of the board of directors for North Fork Area Transit.

Former general manager Jeffrey Stewart is accused of embezzling up to one million dollars, which led to the closure.

Kimes said the volunteer board has taken steps to try and get the organization back up and operational while aiming to prevent a similar situation.

"The board of directors immediately hired a local accounting firm to handle all finances for the agency," she said. "The board of directors has brought on additional board members."

But, the agency has a chance to reopen to the public and get its buses back on the road.

The Johnny Carson Foundation pledged to match $500,000 in grant money if North Fork Area Transit can raise half a million dollars.

Kimes said that the $1 million would result in services operating almost immediately.

"If we would get the money, we would be able to open the doors back up within a week," she said. "It would be a pretty quick turnaround time, so the urgency to get the money in time is pretty significant."

North Fork Area Transit has until February 28th to match the donation. If it does not match the $500,000 pledge by the Johnny Carson Foundation, it will not receive any of the money pledged by the foundation.

Kimes told News Channel Nebraska why she believes it's important to have a transit service in the county.

"The value in bringing back the services would be helping those right here in our community and in Madison County,” she said. “We have thousands of people that are suffering because they don't have safe, reliable transportation today."

Donations can be made to @NorthForkTransit on Venmo or checks can be dropped off at any Elkhorn Valley Bank location.