NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Habitat for Humanity organization that serves the Peninsula & Greater Williamsburg is asking for the community’s help following a theft.
The nonprofit says a trailer filled with tools was stolen in April from outside their offices on Warwick Boulevard in Newport News. They valued the stolen items at over $7,500. A representative for Habitat for Humanity said that volunteers use these when performing repair work for low-income families, seniors, and veterans.
After the Newport News Police Department began investigating the incident, they found the trailer but not the tools, the organization said.
Now, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula & Greater Williamsburg is asking for “a hand up, not a hand out,” to restore its tool supply. CEO Janet Green said they would appreciate any donations of new or used tools.
On its Facebook page, the organization wrote, “Please rally with us to replace what was stolen to ensure we can maintain our level of support and mission to build (and repair) homes and hope right here in our local community.”
Right now, the group is in need of a variety of tools to replace the stolen items, including screwdriver sets, ladders, wrenches, hammers, a pressure washer, and more. They’re also accepting direct donations.
To view the organization’s Amazon wishlist, click here. To donate directly to Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg, visit habitatpgw.org.
Maerine Mitchell, director of community engagement and repairs for the Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg affiliate said though the trailer was locked, they've now increased security and plan to make more changes.
"We’re planning to wrap the trailer so it actually has a lot of Habitat information on it and our logo," Mitchell said. "We also made sure we’re able to lock the trailer better with better locks on the door as well as on the hitch to make sure it stays here and better security around our building as well."
