Sacramento

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UPDATE (July 25, 2023):

More than $1,000 worth of tools believed to be stolen from Pheobe Hearst Elementary School have been found. It turns out that most of the tools were not stolen but were actually moved inside the school.

Before officials knew that, however, the community rallied around the school and raised more than $3,000 to help replace the tools.

Organizers are thanking those who donated and offering to refund the money.

They said that whatever money is left will go toward security at the school.

Thieves stole more than a thousand dollars worth of gardening tools meant for children at a Sacramento school over the weekend, according to parent volunteers.

It happened in the garden at Phoebe Hearst Elementary School in East Sacramento.

The parents said a teacher noticed on Sunday morning that the sheds that had been filled with tools, like shovels, rakes and gloves, were open and empty.

The school has had the garden for students for years. They have activities and lessons out there every Friday during the school year, learning how to grow fruits and vegetables and gathering eggs from the chicken coop.

School fundraisers made it possible to provide students with the supplies necessary for the garden.

Parents believe the theft likely happened sometime between Saturday night into Sunday morning.

The sheds were not locked, but they were on school grounds, which are gated.

"That's pretty low to steal from little kids," volunteer Heather Young said. "I mean, stealing from anywhere is not the best, but stealing from kids? Come on. These kids love this program. It means so much to them."

While police look into who is behind the crime, the community has already rallied together to step in with donations. They raised more than $3,000 in less than 24 hours.

The parent volunteers say that is enough to replace the stolen tools and try to make sure they are more secure to prevent any thefts in the future.