BUFORD, Ga. — A Buford nonprofit that has supported families with food and financial assistance for more than 30 years is reeling after a break-in Tuesday morning left thousands of dollars stolen and costly damage behind.
The North Gwinnett Co-op, a longtime fixture in downtown Buford, was burglarized around 6:30 a.m. when a suspect hurled a rock through a window to gain entry, Executive Director Kim Phillips said. Security cameras captured the break-in.
Inside, the thief took thousands of dollars in cash, money Phillips said had been set aside to help families with food, utility bills and medication. Repairing the shattered window and other damage will also cost thousands.
“You didn’t steal from us, you stole from the people we serve,” Phillips said. “And that’s the part that hurts my heart.”
Phillips said she believes the suspect acted out of desperation and hopes he understands help was available without turning to crime.
“Obviously, he’s in a really tough place right now and I wish that he would’ve reached out to us for help,” she said.
The Co-op has served Buford and surrounding communities since 1991, offering food, financial support and other resources to struggling families. The nonprofit relies heavily on donations and volunteers to keep its shelves stocked and programs operating.
The burglary comes less than a week after a similar crime in Lawrenceville, where a suspect smashed a window at San Angel Latin Bakery. Gwinnett County police are working with Lawrenceville police to determine whether the two incidents are connected.
Despite the setback, Phillips said the Co-op remains committed to its mission.
“We are blessed with amazing volunteers. Our volunteers helped us get cleaned up and put back together the next day,” she said.
She also asked for compassion beyond the crime itself.
“We ask for prayers for our staff, volunteers and the young man who broke in. We pray that he finds peace and stability that he is apparently desperately in need of,” Phillips said.
Phillips encouraged the Buford community — which has long supported the nonprofit — to rally once again in its time of need. She noted the Co-op is seeking sponsors for its Food Truck Mondays program, which provides 300 hot meals twice a month in addition to groceries.
“This community has always stepped up,” Phillips said. “I believe they will again.”
Police have not yet released details about the suspect.
