Literacy organization robbed of helping others

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By Jaime Dailey - bio | email

BEAUFORT, SC (WTOC) - Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry work to educate those in the community who need some extra help, thieves are making their mission even harder. They broke in and stole many of their computers.

Henry Bolden is one of many who depend on the Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry.

"They've done great," said Bolden. " I came here almost two to three years ago and when I first came I was very low on reading."

But now, thanks to a little help, his reading has really improved.

"It changed so much, my everyday life I can go to the grocery store, read the directions, my wife can give me a grocery list and I can go get what she needs," said Bolden. " In church I can get up in front of the people and read."

But now many of the computers Bolden and others use at the center are gone, stolen by someone who broke in through the back window.

"We lost a laptop here, speakers, headphone, everything gone, we lost a desktop system over here," assistant executive director Cinde Riley pointed out.

All in all, 8 computers were stolen, taking away important educational tools.

"Their programs are all helpful for them to learn to read so they can further their knowledge of the English language," said volunteer Pat Snow. "These programs are wonderful for them and they're gone."

"This person just doesn't care because there are a lots of people who learn a lot from this program," said Dennie Mike. "Why would they come in and do something like that, hindering other people from learning, I don't understand why they did that."

With so many computers gone, Cindy Riley says, there simply isn't enough to go around.

"I'm having to turn people away instead of serving them so it's really making a difference in how we're able to serve the adults that need help to improve reading, writing, math and English speaking skills," said Riley.

"I hope they catch whoever did this and punish them for it because they crippled us, they really did. We need that stuff and they took if from us," said Henry Bolden.

To make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again, they're installing a security system. In the mean time, they're just hoping more than anything that their computers will be returned so they can return to their mission, helping improve literacy and lives.

Police say the break in happened between January 29 and January 31.

Beaufort Police are still investigating. If you have any information contact Investigator Erdel with Beaufort Police at 843.322.7958.