DownloadFeb. 8 issue
Gifts to MDS help replace stolen tools
By Brian Pipkin Mennonite Disaster ServiceRAMONA, Calif. — Bert Hamm returned to the Mennonite Disaster Service camp site Jan. 5 after a Christmas break and noticed something unusual.
A Mennonite Disaster Service tool trailer, like the one stolen in Ramona, Calif. — Photo provided by MDS
Hamm, MDS project director, couldn’t find the MDS tool trailer at the vacant Ramona Community School in San Diego County.
Local law enforcement officials believe the trailer, which held a majority of the tools MDS needed to rebuild houses damaged by the 2007 wildfires, disappeared Dec. 12 or 13. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is asking locals to help recover the trailer.
The 6-by-12-foot trailer was recently donated to MDS by Storm Aid, an Amish group in Lancaster, Pa. According to Hamm, the tools and trailer are estimated to be worth more than $10,000.
However, the seemingly big setback turned out to be only a minor interruption.
“We are thankful that this was only a portion of the tools stored in Ramona, so the project was able to continue working with minor inconvenience,” said Jerry Grosh, director of field operations. “MDS is blessed to have many facets of support.”
Scott Sundberg, MDS director of communications, said it didn’t slow them down much.
“People and churches are stepping up to help so that our volunteers have what they need to make a difference,” he said.
Being familiar with the work of MDS, pastors of Grace Community Church, located near the MDS campsite, took two special offerings. The church collected $2,225 and gave it to MDS to offset the cost of new supplies.
Local stores have also started donating tools.
“We are grateful for the support received from the community,” Hamm said. Since the incident, Hamm has replaced $3,500 worth of tools.
The theft also created new partnerships and raised awareness among community members about the needs of their displaced neighbors.
“The community is more aware of us being here and the work we are doing,” Hamm said.
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