Local nonprofit TreeFolks receives $225K donation following series of burglaries

The folks at TreeFolks, an Austin-area nonprofit, were surprised with a large donation following a recent series of burglaries that cost the nonprofit nearly $100,000 in stolen or damaged property.

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AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Friday, the folks at TreeFolks, an Austin-area nonprofit, were surprised with a large donation following a recent series of burglaries that cost the nonprofit nearly $100,000 in stolen or damaged property.

During the check presentation, Wells Fargo gave the $225,000 donation to the nonprofit’s board and staff. The company said it already planned to provide a grant to the nonprofit but decided to increase the amount following the burglaries.

“The reforestation work that TreeFolks is doing is essential in Central Texas and strongly aligns with our company’s sustainability goals, which is one of our key philanthropic pillars. As we strive to support our business, customers, and communities’ transition to a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future, working with local organizations like TreeFolks is key,” Wells Fargo said in a statement.

Currently, there are no leads on the theft of the nonprofit.

Overall, TreeFolks said the financial impact would cost around $100,000 to fix or replace the property. A breakdown of the cost included:

• Replacing two pickup trucks - $95,000
• Replacement of stolen equipment - $2,000
• Repairs to the two Subarus - $400 each
• Security upgrades - $1,200