FULLERTON : A Cutting Blow for Blind Woodworker

“Woody” is his nickname and woodworking is his game--at least it was until thieves stole John Woodman’s tools from his Fullerton garage Sunday night.

Woodman, who is blind, helps support himself by making and refinishing furniture. Since the theft was reported, Woodman said, strangers as well as friends have been offering assistance.

“This is still pretty overwhelming for me,” the 52-year-old former roofer said. “This is the first time I’ve ever experienced this kind of response. . . . People dig down deep when it comes to helping people. This reinforces the belief you have in people.”

Despite the theft of all his woodworking tools and several handmade Christmas gifts, Woodman said, “I’m an optimistic person.”

Fullerton police reported no leads in the theft, which netted about $2,500 in power tools and happened in the 200 block of Union Avenue.

The thieves “didn’t even leave me a hammer to pound a nail with,” Woodman said. More significant was the loss of what he called “a complete woodworking shop,” including table and jig saws, power sanders and presses.

Woodman lost his sight more than a decade ago and, since then, has helped support himself by building furniture, including reading stands for the Braille Institute of California. He also teaches courses in sensory awareness and home maintenance at the Anaheim Braille Institute.

So far, Woodman said, he has had offers of money and lumber from a lumber company.

“People are willing to help,” Woodman said.

While the tools may eventually be replaced, police have told Woodman that the chances of his recovering the computer table he made for his daughter, and other Christmas presents, are slim at best.

Contributions are being directed to a friend of Woodman’s, Cheryl Leisenfelder, at (714) 992-2431.