Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette A small sample of tools that were donated to the CCISD’s Auto Tech program by Bonnie Jones, in memory of her husband. The tools were donated specifically for the use of students.

HANCOCK — The Copper Country Intermediate School District’s Career and Technical  Education (CTE) program received a generous donation of tools from local resident Bonnie Jones, in memory of her late husband. The tools were donated specifically for students to use, and are now in the care of program’s Auto Technology program, located in Hancock. Jeff LaMuth, Auto Tech Program instructional aid, said the estimated resale value of the tools was considered to be approximately $5,000.

“Quality tools are unbelievably expensive, and I would say 85 percent of (the items are) high-end,” LaMuth said. “If you bought these new, it would be upward of $10,000. It’s hard to even guess what this stuff is valued at. We had to give her an estimate, and five thousand is very conservative.”

LaMuth said he would estimate that 90 percent of the donation was hand tools, but one item he was quite happy to receive among the donations was an anvil.

“It saves us from beating on a vice when we need to.”

LaMuth said Mrs. Jones wanted the tools go to place students could use them in memory of her husband, who truly liked children.

“Her husband worked maintenance for Portage Township Schools for his whole career, and he really liked kids.,” LaMuth said, “and she wanted his tools to go somewhere kids could use them.”

LaMuth said it was nice for both Mrs. Jones and CTE.

“She needed just a little space to keep her stuff, like seven screw drivers, not 700, so it was overwhelming for her,” he said. “We got the stuff cleared out of her way, and she feels better that it’s going to something. She worried about having to have an auction, so this way she felt better about — she knows it’s got a good home.”