PUYALLUP, Wash. — A Pierce County plumber is finding the silver lining after he said his worker's truck was stolen with tens of thousands of dollars worth of tools inside.
He hopes sharing the story is a chance to raise awareness of the need for help in the community - and he's working to offer his own form of help and support.
Joe Bowers with Bowers Plumbing and Remodel said a worker's truck was stolen in early January. According to a police report, the employee tracked a tool inside and the truck was recovered but the tools were gone and the truck was damaged. A suspect has not yet been found, but Bowers believes it may have been someone who fell on hard times.
"Honestly, I don't even blame the people, drugs, alcohol, I've been a victim of that too, of alcohol," Bowers said. "I don't judge people by their mistakes, people make mistakes, it's not who you are, it's the action you did."
Instead of anger, he's concentrating on a mission to try to help people experiencing homelessness by revamping a bus that could be used to provide hygiene services and other resources.
"A lot of people like to complain about the homelessness issues, about what's wrong, and just complain, I wanted to take action," Bowers said.
Bower said he is working with a local non-profit to make fund-raising happen. In the meantime, he hopes people have compassion for others and do what they can to help.
"Don't judge people by the one action," Bowers said. "People are hard up for things. People who are addicted to drugs and alcohol aren't the same person they are when they're sober. I know that for a fact so... it just sucks they fell victim to that."