Local businesses help Habitat for Humanity after tool theft
DANIEL CLIFTON • EDITOR
MARBLE FALLS — While any theft doesn’t sit well with Andy Hoffmans, the general manager of Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Co., the recent burglary of the Highland Lakes Habitat for Humanity’s tools really bothered him.
So he did something about it.
“We were in a position to replace some of those tools,” Hoffmans said. “They offer a lot of community support, helping out families. Anything we could do to help keep the process moving along, we wanted to do it.”
On Aug. 11, Highland Lakes Habitat for Humanity organizers discovered someone had broken into the job site trailer in the 300 block of Avenue M, where volunteers are building two homes. The thieves made off with more than $1,300 in tools. Along with hitting the nonprofit that builds homes for families in the pocket book, they essentially put a halt on much of the construction at the two homes.
Volunteers responded to the Aug. 12 workday with many of their own tools, but by Friday, several businesses — including Foxworth-Gailbraith, Lowe’s and The Home Depot — had stepped up to replace most of the power tools.
“It was just awesome,” said Greg Mills, president of the Highland Lakes Habitat for Humanity. “It kind of restored our faith in the community. We know the town we live in here in Marble Falls is behind our efforts.”
Mills approached the three businesses shortly after the theft, and by Aug. 14, all three donated a number of needed tools.
“(The theft) slowed us down, (but) it did not stop us,” Mills said.
With volunteers bringing their own tools Aug. 12 and the businesses stepping up a few days later, the regular work day Aug. 15 went right as planned. And despite this setback and some weather-related ones earlier this spring and summer, Highland Lakes Habitat for Humanity volunteers moved a few days closer to getting some well-deserved local families into their own homes.
Hoffmans was glad his company could help out again.
“We kind of have a feeling here (at Foxworth-Galbraith) that we are part of this community,” he said. “This was one of those times we were able to help out.”
While Lowe’s, Foxworth-Galbraith and The Home Depot replaced a bulk of the power tools, Mills said they are still discovering other items that were stolen. People can help by mailing donations such as gift cards or checks to Highland Lakes Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1406, Marble Falls, TX 78654.
Go to hlhabitat.com to learn more ways to assist the organization.
Anyone with information about the burglary should call the Marble Falls Police Department at (830) 693-3611 or the Hill Country Area Crime Stoppers at 1-866-756-8477. People also can go to hillcountryareacrimestoppers.com to provide tips.
Staff writer Connie Swinney contributed to this report.
daniel@thepicayune.com