GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Upstate community has come together to help Rebuild Upstate get a new trailer and tools after a holiday season robbery.
“The response from the community has been such a blessing to Rebuild Upstate,” said Chris Manley, the agency’s executive director. “Even through a tragic event of having tools stolen from a community-serving nonprofit, we have come away from this with newer tools than we had before and with stronger community support. Rebuild Upstate is blessed to be part of such a giving community.”
Thieves stole a trailer and tools from Rebuild Upstate’s offices on Green Avenue in downtown Greenville late December 29, 2015, he said.
After assessing what was stolen and working with the Greenville Police Department to recover lost tools and equipment, Rebuild Upstate leaders realized there was little chance of regaining the majority of the items. That left them needing to raise about $5,000 in order to keep doing emergency home repairs in Greenville, Pickens, Anderson and Oconee counties.
The agency decided to go to the public for support in February and the response was almost immediate, Manley said.
AMECO, a local tool and equipment dealer, donated about $1,800 worth of brand new tools. Additionally, a local resident, Robert Walker, gave a used trailer to the organization that Rebuild Upstate is upfitting to serve its needs for at least the interim.
“We also had several individuals donate tools of their own to ensure our volunteers have what they need to repair homes for low-income families in our community,” Manley said.
About Rebuild Upstate:
Rebuild Upstate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Upstate South Carolina low-income homeowners with home repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.
