Thomaston — The Thomaston Grammar School’s Common Garden was burglarized over the weekend of May 21-22. Lynn Snow, who runs the science project that involves the fifth-grade planting, growing and maintaining a garden on the school grounds, said the locked shed that stores the garden tools and accessories was broken into and someone made off with some of the tools, including a weed whacker.

Snow valued the theft at $300. Also stolen, she said, was an American flag that the students had hung just days before on the garden’s stage.

Snow said it has been fundraising by students and generosity of local businesses that have come together to make the garden happen. Each year, fifth-grade students open the Common Ground Garden Seed Company, where they collect and fill orders and deliver the seed packets.

The proceeds are the biggest source of income that keep the garden going. The collection of tools and the flag were a product of the children’s hard work.

In the aftermath of the theft, Snow said the outpouring of community support has been magnificent.

“Horch Roofing, Superior Restoration and Dicaperl Minerals have provided money, gift cards and specific tools to replace those that were taken,” she said. “Franzt Furniture of Warren delivered a new battery-powered weed whacker exactly like the one stolen from the garden shed.”

Snow also said that a hat was passed at this week’s Thomaston Grammar School sixth- and seventh-grade band and chorus concert, resulting in “generous” free-will donations of more than $200.

She added that the students need the tools to continue work in the garden, and the tools have already been replaced. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact the Thomaston Police Department at 354-2511. Donations of additional tools or funds can also be made directly to the school.

Related story:

• As part of science curriculum: Thomaston Grammar School fifth-grade turns out gardeners

Reach Chris Wolf at news@penbaypilot.com.