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EDGEWATER, Colo. — William “Bo” Soto was the victim of a robbery. But after Denver7 told the story of how this neighborhood handyman had his tools stolen, viewers stepped up in a big way to donate tools to make him whole again.
“I saw the story and thought, 'I have some tools that I’d be more than willing to donate,'” viewer Michael Grazi said.
Grazi, who never met Soto, decided to donate a bench grinder, reciprocating saw, small generator, impact wrench and sockets, and more.
“To get (him) back on track to where he was before, or possibly better in this case,” Grazi said.
Denver7 received nearly a dozen emails from viewers who were interested in donating tools. Ultimately, news reporter Jason Gruenauer was also able to collect a jack, jack stands, and several other tools that Soto needed for plumbing work and auto repair.
Those tools were then given to Soto as a surprise.
“Oh my God! Oh my God! Are you serious right now?” Soto said.
The one item he still needed to get back to work was a welder. Grazi had one in his shed that he agreed to lend Soto until he could buy his own.
“Oh my God! You’re kidding me right now!” Soto said.
After unloading the news van full of his new tools, the neighborhood handyman shared some thoughts.
“I’m trying to find a message in this. Everything is taken from you and everything is given back,” he said. “And I think the message here is, 'believe in your community, in the people around you.' And I just want to thank Colorado and Denver7 and everyone who took the time to help me out and make me whole, thank you. Thank you so much.”
