SALEM, Mo. — It wasn't the Grinch that stole Christmas for needy families in Dent County but a devastating fire at a cardboard recycling facility. With a week left until the holiday, the community came together to help a nonprofit replace toy donations that were lost in the fire.
The fire broke out at about 3 a.m. Tuesday at Scenic Rivers Industries Inc./Sheltered Workshop, located at 601 South Walker St. Officials said the fire could continue to burn for days.
According to the Dent County Toy Drive, toys for about 130 kids, worth about $13,000, were destroyed in the flames.
After an outpouring of public support, the toy drive collected more than enough toys to make up the difference. Monetary donations and support for the employees impacted by the fire was still encourage, and any toys dropped off that don't get used this year will be saved for 2025.
"Please pray for those involved ..." the Dent County Toy Drive wrote on its Facebook page. "The people (at Scenic Rivers) lost more than just their job. Many of them will be unable to work anywhere else. They are a family."
Checks can be made out to "Dent County Toy Drive" or "Scenic Rivers Industries" and taken to the Bank of Salem, 100 West 4th St. You can also donate online to Scenic Rivers Industries here.
Toy donations can be dropped off at the Salem Chamber of Commerce, 1136 South Main St.; Custard by C-Sue, 500 East 4th St.; or the Salem Community Center at the Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. Fleece blankets, stocking, stocking stuffers and toys for those 12 and under are needed.
The Salem Chamber of Commerce is also accepting shelf-stable food items, toiletries and Walmart gift cards for Scenic Rivers employees after 32 "certified disabled employees" were left out of work and in need of assistance with basic daily needs.