WOOD RIVER, Ill. – "Shame on you."
That’s the message to thieves from the operators of a Metro East Christmas tree lot. Someone stole trees late Saturday night from the lot on East Edwardsville Rd in Wood River, Illinois.
“We had six trees at a cost of about $180 to $200,” said Jim Groppel.
“We were just heartbroken that this happened to us,” added Don Huber.
For 30 years, the smell of fresh-cut Christmas trees has filled the air around the lot and its brought holiday cheer to generations.
“You have a lot of kids that are always overwhelmed. They always want the biggest tree,” said Groppel.
But Saturday’s theft put a damper on the start of the season.
The money from the tree sales goes to support the Alt-Wood Shrine Club. The club uses the cash to host events that raise thousands of dollars every year for Shriners Hospital for Children.
“It's what it's all about, is the kids,” said Huber, Treasurer of the Shrine Club.
Groppel told 5 On Your Side police have asked surrounding businesses for any clues from their surveillance cameras. But he says so far, they haven't had any luck.
Not to be deterred, the club will keep selling trees. And members hope the thief realizes the senselessness of the crime.
“In essence, you've taken some kid's Christmas tree. Or, at least the benefits of that tree,” said Huber.
“We've given trees to people before if they were down on their luck, you know. You just come and ask for it,” said Groppel.
Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call Wood River Police.
