Last week’s torrential rains were a stinky deal for Santa’s Toy Shop.
Years of hard work are down the drain when flooding destroyed many of the toys and items used in the toy shop that were stored in the basement of Tracy Keagle’s home.
The basement had never flooded before, Keagle said, speculating that the 3 feet of water found its way into her home after she and husband, Willie, removed their driveway with the intention of replacing it. Maybe that caused a pool that saturated the ground, she said. Keagle theorized that a main sewer line must have backed up as well, accounting for the “stinky stuff” floating among the containers of preserved Christmas items, she said.
The Keagles used a borrowed sump pump to bail the area out.
Five truckloads containing Christmas lights, Christmas trees, antiques, a giant sled, ornaments and family heirlooms were among the lost items.
“Besides the personal loss of things that can not be replaced it’s like a tornado for Humanity House,” Keagle said. Santa’s Toy Shop is now under the umbrella of the non-profit.
Keagle is concerned that rebuilding Santa’s Toy Shop will take away from much needed donations and funds to assist with summertime energy bills.
On a positive note, several extra-large Christmas trees donated by Walmart were too large to store at the Keagle residence. They are safe and sound at the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce.
Floodwaters waste Santa Shop toys, decorations
