Habitat for Humanity, a well-known Christian nonprofit organization, builds homes with volunteers who work together with families who need homes. Everything that was stolen was purchased with donated funds.
"All of the materials in that trailer were gifts from the community," said Eric Kube, executive director of Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity. "The thief took the tools out of the hands of volunteers, and now they need to be replaced. It's discouraging that someone would do this, especially right before Christmas."
The trailer had been locked up, with a chain looped through holes in the rims of the tires and then around a tree. The chain was cut.
Grantsburg police are investigating. The close-knit community of volunteers is spreading the word quickly to keep an eye out for the trailer. It is distinctive in that lettering had been removed from its side, but a shadow of the text is still visible. The license number is Wisconsin CA48770.
"This will slow us down a bit," said Kube. "It will delay the completion of Jessica's home, and probably delay the home in Luck we're just getting ready to start. But we know our families and our volunteers will understand and help all they can. We've got a great community here, and we'll get through this."
The trailer and its contents were insured, Kube said, but the deductible is $5,500. The nonprofit organization relies completely on donations of money and labor to build homes for families who need them. Those interested in helping them recover from the loss may call
715-483-2700. Contributions may be sent to WRHFH, 2201 US Hwy 8, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024.
Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, with the goal of eliminating homelessness and poverty housing. They have been building homes for and with needy families in our area since 1997. WRHFH is headquartered in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. They can be reached at
715-483-2700, email
office@wildrivershabitat.org or visit
www.wildrivershabitat.org.
Anyone with information about the trailer should contact the Grantsburg police department
