MANZANITA, CA (MPG) – After the theft of the original Manzanita School Bell back in November 2021, the community rallied together, along with local media groups, to help locate the stolen bell.

The theft was caught on camera along with images of the suspects and vehicle used, but after months of searching, investigations did not turn up the bell.

The community support did not stop there. People from throughout the Gridley area and even further came together to raise money to replace the stolen bell.  Manzanita School District Superintendent and Principal Gary Rogers said, “The Manzanita and Gridley communities rallied together to help us not only try to find the bell, but donations started coming in without even asking. The community has always been a vital part of Manzanita School and the outpouring of support was evidence of how much the community cares about our school and students.”

Just this week, Superintendent Rogers put a post on Facebook announcing that a replacement bell had been installed at the school.

“Many of you have asked about the bell and after a few months of trying to locate the stolen one with no luck we were able to find a replacement in New Jersey. The purchase of the replacement bell was made possible due to several donations from the community. We would like to thank William Harkey, Will Sheffield, Rotary Club of Gridley, J&J Wilson Farming (Board Member Jake and Jenna Wilson), Duke Sherwood Contracting (Sherwood Family), and Manzanita Car Sales (Stowe Family). We would also like to thank Orchard Machinery Corporation (OMC) for painting the replacement bell. Lastly, we cannot forget to thank Board Members Clark Stowe and Chris Oakley for installing the bell over the weekend and making sure it will not be able to be stolen again.” Said Superintendents Roger’s post.

He would add, “The bell may have not been worth a lot of money, but it was a symbol of the over 150 plus years Manzanita has been serving the students of the community and it was great to see the community rally behind us in making sure that symbol was returned. On behalf of the students, staff, and families of Manzanita School, we just want to say thank you for your support.”

A dedication ceremony is planned for Thursday, May 5th during the Manzanita School open house, beginning at 5:30 P.M.