—
The money came in a plain, white envelope, addressed to Central Contractors’ Supply Co. of Johnstown – attention: Accounts Receivable.
Inside, a one-page, handwritten note accompanied the cash.
12-6-10, 3:04 p.m.
To Whom It May Concern,
Many years ago, 25-30?, I stole a hammer from this place of business. I knew it was wrong but I did it anyway.
Enclosed is $45 to cover the hammer plus a little extra for interest.
I’m sorry I stole it, but have changed my ways.
Hope God will forgive me for all the terrible things I have done in my life. This just being a small part.
The unsigned note was turned over to Lynne Gramling, company president.
“I was amazed that someone would do that after so many years,” she said. “And I knew immediately that I couldn’t keep the money. I knew right away that I wanted to give it to the Salvation Army.”
Gramling had personal reasons for the decision. Her father, John Augustine, who owned Central Contractors for 50 years, has been involved with the Salvation Army since 1975, and served as chairman of its board in 1977.
But Gramling thought donating the money to the agency would be fitting for another reason.
“I thought the Salvation Army could have helped this person at some point in his life,” she said.
“He may have turned to the Salvation Army and benefited from their teachings.”
This week, while her 87-year-old father once again rang a bell in the annual kettle campaign at The Galleria, she made the donation.
The army’s Maj. Joseph Pawlowski said the money will go to a good cause.
“Between 500-600 families are being served by our Christmas effort,” he said. “The kettle money also is used throughout the year for people who need help with rent assistance, water bills, electric bills.
“Many people find they have too much month at the end of their money.”
Pawlowski, who along with his wife, Maj. Marsha Pawlowski, are ordained ministers, said he encourages the penitent to make amends for past wrongs.
“It should lift the burden of owing somebody,” he said. “Of not having to look over your shoulder all the time.”
And he said, God forgives.
“The Salvation Army is all about redemption. That’s why we have the word salvation in the name.”
Central Contractors’ Supply Co. is like other retail businesses and has seen its share of thefts in its 88 years of business.
“But we have never had anybody own up to it and pay for the material,” Gramling said.
She hopes the restitution will give the writer of the note the peace he seeks this Christmas season.
“It was a gift from the heart, and I appreciated it,” she said.
Local News
Related Photos
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Lynne Gramling of Central Contractors’ Supply Co. of Johnstown shows her father, John Augustine, a letter from someone who admitted stealing a hammer from the company many years ago. Todd Berkey
Discussion
Thief comes clean – decades later
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