40 trees sold to buy toys for needy children stolen from Bunnell business

BUNNELL, Fla. — Nearly 40 trees were stolen from the Holler and Greene Produce in Bunnell, Flagler County authorities said.

The trees were stolen last week from the facility on County Road 305.

Every year, firefighters and volunteers with Santa Run sell the trees, and any profit made is used to buy toys for needy children, Stephen Palmer with the Flagler County Professional Firefighters said.

“It puts everything into perspective of what true needs are,” Palmer said. “I can honestly say that this event, since I've started doing this, has changed the way I look at everything Christmas.”

Each Christmas, Palmer dresses up as Santa Claus to hand out toys he and other firefighters buy with the trees they sell from the lot.

“This is some of the only toys they get,” said Palmer. “It's frustrating just to know that somebody would stoop so low to do something like that, knowing what they're for, knowing what it's about.”

For more than 30 years, the Santa Run has been held in Flagler County, and this year, it will be on Dec. 17.

“Half the people in the community grew up with this and they probably came to Santa Runs when they were a child, so they know what this is all about,” he said.

Palmer said the stolen trees were valued at $1,000.

“I have kids that come and sit on my lap and look at me when I ask, 'What do you want for Christmas?’ And they'll say, 'I want my dad to have a job so we don't have to live in the car anymore,'” said Palmer.

More stories on WFTV.com:

• Colonial H.S. student is 1 of 3 charged in Winter Park beating death, principal says
• Woman fighting for her life after being hit by crossfire during Pine Hills shootout
• 2 arrested in Daytona Beach after deputies mistake lighter for gun

Cox Media Group