Thieves steal copper wires from nonprofit's heating and cooling systems

A check of the heating and cooling systems at Forest Manor Multi-Service Center brought anger and then sadness.

The center on the east side has provided valuable services to community members when they need it most. Its clients range from seniors to single parent families who need help with food, utilities or rent.

Money is tight. So when workers discovered someone had climbed on Forest Manor’s roof and destroyed the heating and cooling unit, center officials were dumbfounded.

“Forest Manor is like Holy Ground. It’s the place where everyone comes in need. So for someone to clearly do something so costly, I’m upset about it. ” Director Regina Marsh said.

Leaders at Forest Manor assume the thieves were after the copper coils in the unit. They don’t know how they’ll afford the thousands of dollars for repairs needed to help keep the center open this winter.

“Frustration, frustration,” Angela Williams said, “because we know every dollar here at the center is geared to something  pecific and for that money to go to the unit, that just takes away from what we do for our clients, the people we serve.”

Forest Manor officials know all about desperation. They see it every day in the people they serve. So while they may understand why someone would steal from them, it doesn’t make it any easier to accept.

“It hurts because if you're in need of those coils, you're in need of Forrest Manor." Marsh said.

More information about Forest Manor, including how to donate, is available online.