Our Story

TOOLBANK serves community-based organizations by providing tools, equipment & expertise to empower their most ambitious goals.

Our Beginnings

The ToolBank concept was created in Atlanta in 1991 with the idea of neighbors helping neighbors by giving their time and loaning their tools to do home repairs for their neighbors in need. In 2008, ToolBank USA was launched to replicate the model and establish ToolBanks throughout the United States. The ToolBank’s signature lending model allows charities to focus on their mission by relying on ToolBanks to provide, store, and repair critically-needed tools and equipment. ToolBanks share their resources with charitable groups so they can equip volunteers to efficiently complete work in less time, with the right tools, at minimal costs. Using ToolBank tools, community-based organizations avoid the expense of purchasing, repairing, and storing tools. Each year, the ToolBank recognizes a ToolBank Affiliate who has been outstanding in furthering the mission and vision of the ToolBank.

Our Mission & Values

OUR MISSION

The mission of the ToolBank is to serve community-based organizations by providing the tools, equipment, and expertise needed to empower their most ambitious goals. Our vision is to equip all communities with tools for change.

TOOLBANK USA VALUES

We are a values-based organization that serves our affiliates, member agencies, volunteers, community partners, associates, and suppliers with open hearts and equity.

RESPECT & INCLUSION

We believe in diverse and inclusive participation in our communities and we intentionally strive to create a welcoming environment for all people, regardless of race, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation or creed.

INTEGRITY & TRANSPARENCY

We are committed to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity. We support transparency in our financial and operating standards and commit to accountability.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

We are committed to accessibility, professionalism, and open communication focused on those we serve. Our goal is to exceed the expectations of all member agencies, volunteers, donors, and visitors.

TOOL STEWARDSHIP

We manage ToolBank resources responsibly to maintain inventory value, promote long-term viability, and ensure responsible usage and care of the tools by the borrower.

SAFE USAGE OF TOOLBANK TOOLS

We believe in our responsibility to foster and maintain strong relationships with our member agencies that promote responsible usage and care of ToolBank tools. We acknowledge our duty to practice sound stewardship in all activities with our member agencies related to the promotion of safety and responsible usage and care of the tools.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

We have a responsibility to collaborate with our partners to best support the interests of the communities in which we serve.

Our Staff

Jessica Pohto

Executive Director

Jess’ lifelong passion for community service began in her hometown of Fairport Harbor, Ohio, where the spirit of helping others was a way of life. After moving to Atlanta for a role at Allstate Insurance, she discovered the Atlanta Community ToolBank in 2003, quickly becoming a dedicated volunteer and later serving on the Atlanta board and taking the role of president during the formation of ToolBank USA.

Her commitment to service continued after relocating to Chicago in 2009, where she joined several nonprofit boards and serving on the Board of Directors for Windy City ToolBank. From hands-on work in the warehouse to deploying disaster relief supplies, Jess has always prioritized direct impact. In 2024, she deployed to Asheville with a trailer full of disaster buckets, a service trip that reinforced her desire to transition full-time into the nonprofit sector.

In 2025, Jessica took on the role of Executive Director of the Windy City ToolBank while also serving as the Midwest Territory Manager for ToolBank Disaster Services. She is committed to strengthening nonprofit collaboration, ensuring organizations have the tools and resources needed to focus on their missions.

Beyond her work, Jessica is passionate about home renovations, classic car and motorcycle restoration, crafting, and animal rescue. She lives in Lakeview with her husband, their dog Ernie, and a rotating cast of foster dogs finding their forever homes.

Favorite tool: Oscillating Tool

Connect with Jess

Schedule to Meet with Jess! Your Location, Our Warehouse or Online!

Our Leadership

Adam Probst

Board President

Adam works for Risk Strategies and lives in Chicago.

What drew you to Windy City ToolBank?

My father was very handy, and I helped him repair and replace all sorts of things around our bed & breakfast in NC while I was growing up. He had a well-supplied workshop he would use to teach me how to handle the tool.

What excites you about WCTB?

Providing tools to other non-profits at pennies on the dollar allows them to keep more dollars in their own pockets, which helps everyone!

What is your favorite tool?

Screwdriver… it can be adapted to use in so many projects!

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Heidi Thompson

Board Vice President & Secretary

Heidi works for the Home Depot in the Merchandising Team and lives in Atlanta, GA.

Patty Russart

Board Treasurer

Patty previously worked for ToolBank USA as the CEO and lives in South Carolina.

What drew you to Windy City ToolBank? I was the CEO of ToolBank USA and I am excited to play a role in establishing the Windy City Toolbank.

What excites you about WCTB? ToolBank is a unique nonprofit that will serve the Chicago area very well. And I can’t wait for more people and groups to learn about it, utilize the resources and they realize they can’t live without a ToolBank!

What is your favorite tool? Nifty Nabbers

Jonathan Hammons

Board Director

Jon lives in suburban Chicago with his partner and 3 children and works for UPS.

Dan Wade

Board Director

Dan sits on the Executive Management Team for Hilti North America, living just outside Chicago with my wife and two boys.

What drew you to Windy City ToolBank? There’s something beautifully simple and extremely impactful about meeting people where they want to be met and giving them the tools to be successful. I’m sure most communities have the heart and hands required to make a difference, but they lack the tools – this is where ToolBank comes in.

What excites you about WCTB? Chicago is ripe with opportunities for communities and corporations alike, to go do good in a variety of ways. ToolBank’s mission and opportunity here in the Windy City can really become something special.

What is your favorite tool? The right one!

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Our Partners

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