26-05-2025
Nonprofit left with no AC after theft of $150K HVAC unit
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A Kalamazoo-based nonprofit is faced with a hefty bill after thieves stole its HVAC unit, it says.
On Thursday, the HVAC unit outside the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan building at 3501 Covington R. near Sprinkle Road was stolen, a spokesperson said in an email to News 8. The unit was located in an enclosed area that was locked and equipped with an alarm system. The nonprofit believes whoever stole it climbed over the enclosure's wall.
The spokesperson said the unit is worth more than $150,000. The organization will also have to pay to modify the enclosure to prevent future thefts.
'As a mission-driven organization, every dollar we receive is meant to support our programs and the young people we serve,' Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan CEO Amy Kutcha said in a statement. 'To have resources diverted because of a senseless theft is frustrating and heartbreaking. But we are resilient—and we know our community is too.'
While its mentoring programs can be mostly done remotely, the nonprofit is concerned about how having no air conditioning will impact its work.
'We place a high value on in-person collaboration and the sense of community it builds among our team,' the spokesperson wrote in an email. 'As temperatures rise, the lack of air conditioning may make it uncomfortable for staff to work in the building for extended periods, which could affect day-to-day collaboration and overall productivity.'
was founded in 1959, according to its website. It partners mentors with kids ages 6 through 18 in Kalamazoo, Allegan, Calhoun and Van Buren counties.
Those who would like to make a donation to help it replace the HVAC unit can do so .
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