HabiStore box truck stolen last night | Crime

Habitat for Humanity was dealt a blow last night, when one of their box trucks was stolen.

When the HabiStore was opened earlier today, the store director, Terry Dee expected the vehicle to be there.  He sent workers out on their regular pick up schedule, and they quickly returned to tell him a truck had been stolen.  As luck would have it, it was the larger of the two box trucks.

 “This is very disappointing,” said Dee.  “That truck had all our moving supplies inside, it was the one with the lift in the back.  It was larger and newer.  We are fortunate to have a back-up truck, but with one truck, we will only be able to pick up half the scheduled donations.  Even more sadly, this ultimately means less product for sale and less proceeds for Habitat's mission and our fight against poverty housing.”
The HabiStore, through donations of used home improvement items like furniture and appliances, keeps more than 250 tons of material out of the landfill each year.  Down to one truck this will make pickups of donations more difficult. 

If you are interested in making a donation to the ‘HabiStore need a new truck fund’ you can either stop by the store at 935 W. Grant Road, or donate online via their website at www.habitattucson.org.  The estimated price to replace the truck could be around $30,000.

Even though the HabiStore has had several instances of vandalism since opening their Grant Road store in 2011, this is the worst event yet.

 “The Chevy box truck was our stallion.  It made the hard work of moving donations easier on our staff and volunteers.  It allowed us to meet the demand for pick-ups and keep more furniture and other items out of the landfill.  She will be missed,” said Dee.

Despite this setback the HabiStore is still open to the public and donations of new and used building and home improvement materials, furniture, appliances, lighting and other items can still be dropped off at the Grant Road location. 

Store hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you would like to schedule a pickup (they still have the smaller box truck!) please call (520)889-7200.  All proceeds from sales at the store go to Habitat for Humanity Tucson.