No man is an island, and we all can use a helping hand from time to time. One California community rose to the occasion when the home of two beloved teachers was robbed on October 8, 2023. Karen Pollard and Rick Gott, who work at Natomas Charter School, were on a school trip when they got the worrisome news from a neighbor.
Pollard and Gott continue to grieve the loss of their possessions and sense of privacy and safety. Sarah Winter, a coworker, set up a GoFundMe account to help the couple through this difficult time. As of today, it has raised $10,200, surpassing its goal.
Pollard told ABC affiliate KXTV that the robber or robbers got away with many of their things, both expensive and priceless. They are missing clothes, electronics, and Rick’s two guitars. The investigation is ongoing, and it is unknown if they will ever see any of it again.
“That doesn't include the teacups, it doesn't include the tax returns, all of our identity stuff,” she explained. “There's no value on that, but my seven-page list is over $25,000.”
Gott told NBC affiliate KCRA that the serious nature of the situation is slowly sinking in. “There are empty spaces in your house that you don’t recognize and like what was there. 'Oh the printer,' and little by little you start realizing, this is major,” he explained.
They are coming to terms with what they lost.
“It was devastating: the things I can never replace,” Pollard added. “The losses. The grief over this is daily because we keep reaching for things that aren’t there.”
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Thankfully, spearheaded by Winter, their community is trying to ease the blow.
“Rick and Karen are pillars of the community and have selflessly dedicated over 25 years of their life to their students, their colleagues and friends, and their Natomas community,” she wrote on their GoFundMe page. “It's heartwarming to see the community come together to support Rick and Karen during this difficult time. In situations like these, the power of community support can make a significant difference. This is just one small way we can give back to them everything they have done for others.”
Pollard and Gott were overwhelmed by their community’s support. “We have the most incredible community. I can't tell you — there is an amazing thing that comes from belonging,” Pollard gushed.
