Community rallies to replace stolen tools

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

STUART, Fla., Nov. 2, 2011 – In times of need, Martin County residents rise to the occasion.  

When Habitat for Humanity of Martin County’s power tools were recently stolen from a home site in Port Salerno, Otto "Buz” DiVosta immediately stepped up with a $2,000 donation to cover the cost. Included in the list of stolen items were nail guns and power saws, valued at more than $1,000. DiVosta was one of several local residents who wasted no time contacting Habitat about helping to replace the equipment.  

One woman visited the office, confirmed the story was true, and wrote a check on the spot. Several others called to donate. Another woman invited Habitat to her home to pick up the tools of her husband, who recently passed away. Without this outpouring of community support, Habitat would have been forced to halt construction and reschedule with community partners and volunteers until the tools could be replaced.  

"The response was overwhelming. Our community never fails us in times of desperate need,” said Margot Graff, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County. "The theft of those tools set us back on our construction schedule, but gifts like these are a true testament to why Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is able to continue to build affordable and decent housing with our very deserving partner families.”  

To make a donation, volunteer, or learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Martin County, call (772) 223-9940.
Community rallies to replace stolen tools
Chuck Lavelle, Habitat board of directors and construction committee member; Otto "Buz” DiVosta; Nader Salour, vice president of Harmony Martin County; and Ron Morrow, Habitat construction manager, join hands in support of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit organization that works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to help eliminate substandard housing by building homes for others, revitalizing neighborhoods, and transforming lives. Since its inception in 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Martin County has built 94 homes in Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Jensen Beach, Port Salerno and Stuart. For more information, call (772) 223-9940.