Oct. 5--HIGH POINT -- Put it under the heading of some crooks will steal anything.

In this case, it's the lone truck used by Habitat for Humanity of High Point, Archdale and Trinity to pick up critical donations that support the local, ecumenical housing ministry, which builds homes for low-income people.

The Habitat truck was stolen between 3 p.m. Saturday and early Monday morning from its parking spot at W. English Road and Westpoint Boulevard, said agency Executive Director Susan Wood.

It's the second time in three months that the truck has been taken, she said. The truck was stolen during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, but Guilford County Sheriff's Department deputies were able to recover it within a couple of weeks, Wood said Monday.

During this past weekend or early Monday, it appears thieves shattered the driver's side window to steal the vehicle, she said. The High Point Police Department has put out a bulletin to other law enforcement agencies with a description of the truck, said police Lt. Steve Myers.

This year is the first time in eight years the truck has been stolen, Wood said.

"This is one of the worst possible times it could happen. The two weeks before the furniture market, we pick up a lot of furniture market samples," said Wood, whose agency is supported from sales through a bargain store. "It's really an essential time for our store. It helps us restock our donations."

Habitat is seeking a replacement truck and will try to get by on a rented vehicle in the interim. The theft is covered through insurance, Wood said.

"But it's going to be harder to rent a truck closer to market. And if we have to pay to rent one, it's money going away from building homes," she said.

On Monday, local officials with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development volunteered with the local Habitat chapter to mark World Habitat Day. The volunteers helped at a construction site on Graves Avenue for a family that came to High Point four years ago after fleeing New Orleans because of Hurricane Katrina.

pjohnson@hpe.com -- 888-3528

at a glance

Habitat for Humanity of High Point, Archdale and Trinity reports that its lone truck for gathering donations was stolen this past weekend. Anyone who can help the nonprofit with a replacement 16- to 20-foot-long truck can call Habitat at 887-8388, ext. 24.

Anyone with information about the theft of the truck, which was parked at English Road and Westpoint Boulevard, is asked to call High Point Crimestoppers at 889-4000.

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Copyright (c) 2009, High Point Enterprise, N.C.

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