Going about as low as they can go, thieves victimized volunteers helping flooded-out families last week.
Twice burglars broke into Schoharie Recovery's storage shed behind the Reformed Church in Schoharie, taking tools valued at $1,000.
Those tools were intended to be used by volunteers, who've been on the job for months helping with reconstruction.
Schoharie Recovery is the organization that matches skilled volunteers to tasks needed to rebuild homes and businesses in Schoharie, Central Bridge, Esperance and Gallupville.
And while coordinating hundreds of volunteers in the months after Hurricane Irene, Schoharie Recovery provided those helpers with tools and materials for reconstruction.
There's never been a problem until now.
Sara Goodrich of Schoharie Recovery said volunteers noticed a set of keys to the tool shed missing last Saturday. They thought the keys had simply been misplaced.
But Monday they found the shed unlocked and tools missing. Volunteers locked the shed again Monday afternoon, and they found it open and more tools missing Tuesday morning.
"All this time, there's been no trust problem," said Ms. Goodrich. "We're greatly disappointed. We've had a lot of people in and out of that shed, and nothing's been taken.
"And the fact that it happened Easter weekend makes it more insulting."
Schoharie Recovery had just purchased the tools: Five drills, two staple guns with staples, two hammer-tackers, sheetrock knives, storage bins, three shop vacs and more.
Suspecting the tools might be re-sold, Sergeant Robert Coons of the Schoharie Village Police surfed ebay, Craig's List and other sale sites, "but nothing we were looking for turned up," said Schoharie Senior Investigator Ray Hoy.
"It could have been anyone or someone planning to break in," said Josh DeBartolo, also of Schoharie Recovery.
Senior Investigator Hoy agreed.
"There's not a lot to go on, but it could have been some of the 'volunteers' who hang around the shed but don't do much volunteering," he said.
Schoharie Recovery had the lock changed after Tuesday's burglary, Mr. DeBartolo said.
The organization has accepted tool donations in the past, and is accepting donations to replace those stolen. Tools can be dropped off behind the Reformed Church, Wednesday through Sunday, 9-4.
Despite the burglary, Schoharie Recovery's efforts are undeterred, Mr. DeBartolo and Ms. Goodrich said.
"Thanks to everyone for all their donations," Ms. Goodrich said. "We continue to support this wonderful community."
"Despite this adversity, we're still going strong," Mr. DeBartolo said.
Anyone with information about the burglary can call Schoharie Police at 295-8566.