Tools stolen from Turlock Community Gardens. Here’s how you can help it recover
The Turlock Community Gardens nonprofit reported a break-in Saturday and lost about $1,600 worth of equipment, board director Jonathan Partridge said.
Rakes, shovels and other tools were stolen from the garden shed at Cornerstone Covenant Church, Partridge said, marking the first theft from the nonprofit since it signed a lease in November 2020.
The nonprofit hopes to get around $600 back after paying an insurance deductible, Partridge said. It has installed a new shed lock and is considering adding other security measures.
To help Turlock Community Gardens recover, the community can donate to its Give Butter fundraising campaign. People can also email info@turlockcommunitygardens.org if they want to donate tools.
The nonprofit is grateful for the community response and has received at least one donation since the theft, Partridge said.
“We really have been supported by the community in the midst of all this,” Partridge said. “It’s been nice to see that response and it’s an amazing place, really.”
The community donated most of the tools in the first place, and Home Depot provided the shed, he added. The shed has been on the property since October, Partridge said, and planting began in the winter.
Turlock Community Gardens recovered two stolen wheel barrows on Saturday, Partridge said. A gardener found one down the street and the other was found in the church’s parking lot off of Crowell Road.
Future projects for the community garden include building a shade structure and adding picnic tables, benches and chairs, per the fundraising page. Donations can also cover sponsorships for Stanislaus State University students, as well as seeds and plants for refugee gardeners.
This story was originally published January 12, 2022 at 7:17 AM.
