CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Pathfinder K-8 hopes you can help replace stolen musical instruments

Earlier this week, we reported on a burglary at Pathfinder K-8 on Pigeon Point – someone broke into the school music room during winter break. Today, Pathfinder parent Lisa Stencel emailed us to say they’re looking for instrument donations so the students can keep making music: “Most of the instruments were taken, so we are hoping that our West Seattle community can help us out. If anyone has any instruments that are not being used, we would gladly take them.” We asked if any specific types were most needed; her reply, “It was mostly wind and horn instruments, but we’ll take anything.” Donations can be picked up if necessary. If you have an instrument to offer – and/or questions – email Lisa at lisastencel (at) gmail.com.

17 Replies to "CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Pathfinder K-8 hopes you can help replace stolen musical instruments"

  • H20K9 January 6, 2022 (4:08 pm)

    Can we reach out to any local rock stars ?

  • Concerned Neighbor January 6, 2022 (5:18 pm)

      I thought I read an article that the police had come upon a woman and a man with a stolen car.  In  the back of the car were school district instruments.  I don’t remember exactly where I read that, but it was in conjunction with this theft.  I do recall that “there was even a tuba” along with lots of burglary tools and such.  Perhaps checking back in with the police department?  Maybe you can recover some of those instruments.

    • WSB January 6, 2022 (5:49 pm)

      We reported in the same story (linked in this story above) that a man had been arrested after a break-in at South Seattle College and some musical instruments labeled as SPS property were in the car. In case they missed our story, I mentioned it to someone who emailed us about the PF break-in, and I’m sure they’re well aware. Sounds, however, like the burglary involved more than one car would have held. I’m checking, though, just wanted to get this out there ASAP. – TR

      UPDATE: I asked Lisa. Whether those were indeed PF instruments or not, they haven’t gotten anything back yet.

    • Concerned 2 January 6, 2022 (9:33 pm)

      Contact SW Precinct. A large amount of musical instruments were taken to SPD evidence warehouse Tuesday morning. There was at least one horn instrument. I’m not sure what it will take to identify stolen items but hope you have recorded serial numbers if applicable. 

  • Adam January 6, 2022 (5:23 pm)

    Not trying to sound callous here, but doesn’t the district have insurance? 

    • WSB January 6, 2022 (6:18 pm)

      Even if they do, that’s not going to get instruments into the hands of kids quickly

  • CEGT January 6, 2022 (5:40 pm)

    Is there a way/possibilty to donate money?

    • WSB January 6, 2022 (6:20 pm)

      I asked Lisa; she’s checking with the music teacher.

  • Peter S. January 6, 2022 (6:24 pm)

    I encourage everyone, who like myself have unused instruments, to email Lisa and offer to donate. 

    • Sarah January 6, 2022 (7:14 pm)

      I just did offer.  I bet a lot of us have instruments we rarely use now that would be better placed with the kids.  

  • PLR January 6, 2022 (6:42 pm)

    There are many instruments listed for sale (or already sold) at Second Use, job #1221J5749. They are described as having come from a local middle school. They showed up on their site just a few days ago. https://www.seconduse.com/inventory/job/?jobID=1221J5749 There are many school furnishings in that job as well, so I’m assuming it’s all legit (I shop there a lot, and in no way think they fence anything (but did y’all see the Portlandia episode about the Donation-Fueled-Eco-Salvage-Building-Materials Pawn Shop?)) –just a bummer that they weren’t offered out to other schools prior to salvage sale. 

    • Lynda B January 6, 2022 (8:29 pm)

      That lot also has an Otis Spunkmeyer branded oven.  Memories!

  • K to the F January 7, 2022 (8:28 am)

    Emailed Lisa. Thx WSB and everyone for lending a hand!

  • Lisa Stencel January 7, 2022 (9:09 am)

    Thank you all so much! I have received so many offers of instrument and $$ donations. We are humbled by this community’s generosity. We learned last night that SPD may have found some or all of our instruments!!! We are now waiting to get confirmation from them. Again, thank you so much for this community!!!

  • Scarlett January 7, 2022 (9:17 am)

    There were a whole bunch of musical instruments being sold on the “second use”  website down in Sodo. Hopefully those aren’t from Pathfinder.

    • Lisa Stencel January 7, 2022 (10:58 am)

      Thanks for the info. Fingers crossed!

  • Gina January 7, 2022 (11:36 am)

    If you do donate take the instrument into a repair shop first to make sure it works. SPS  instrument repair shop has a huge backlog and no budget.

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