A Lakeland church group is in shock that someone would steal thousands of dollars worth of tools off their property.
“This board was full of tools, big tool box in the center,” Ted Hogan, who started Pedal Power Bicycle Ministry, said.
Someone stole tools out of the group's work shed over the weekend. The shed is on property at First Presbyterian Church on Lake Hollingsworth. Volunteers with Pedal Power Bicycle Ministry fix bikes and hand them out to people in need for free. They have done this the last eight years.
Saturday morning they realized someone stole more than $5,000 worth of tools.
“It hurt, I poured my life and my heart and soul into this ministry,” Hogan said.
They have handed out more than 1,500 re-furbished bikes, often to adults to need a way to get around. Now, empty cases and walls are left where donated tools once lived.
“It was a shocker, it was a shocker, I just, it hurt,” Hogan said.
The community is rallying around First Presbyterian.
“People have been calling all morning wanting to donate their tools,” volunteer Judy Asche said.
“We’ll be bigger and better and stronger than we’ve ever been before, because you can’t keep these good volunteers down,” Hogan said.
If you'd like to help, reach out to First Presbyterian Church at 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801. Phone: (863) 686-7187.
