A single dad was left shocked and heartbroken after discovering that a close family member allegedly sold his children’s Christmas presents for drugs just days before the holiday.
According to a report from the Van Buren Sheriff’s Department on December 20, a man from Paw Paw, Michigan, stole gifts purchased for his four grandchildren through the Van Buren County’s “Shop with the Sheriff” program... Continue reading here ▶
The man, identified as 62-year-old Donald Lucas Sr., allegedly sold and traded the presents for methamphetamine.
Lucas Sr. was arrested by the narcotics unit during a meth investigation, officials said.
His son, Don Lucas Jr., a single father of four, shared his devastation with Fox 17. “I was crying. I was breaking up crying over it. What am I going to do? I cannot believe that somebody would come and steal the gifts from the kids,” he said.
The stolen gifts were reportedly worth more than $1,000.
Fox 17 reported that Lucas Sr. allegedly took the gifts after his family allowed him to stay with them for a few days during the holiday season. Despite efforts, the grandfather refused to cooperate with authorities to return the stolen presents, according to the sheriff’s office.
However, the story has a happy ending. The Van Buren Sheriff’s Office, Paw Paw Schools, and other community members came together to raise money and gift cards to replace the stolen presents.
Officials said they took the family on a shopping spree to make sure the children had a Christmas to remember. “We gathered up money and made their Christmas whole again. I personally cannot thank everyone enough for what they did to help make this happen,” one official said.
Don Lucas Jr. expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support. “I want to say, thank you, and Merry Christmas,” he told Fox 17. “It just blew my mind how many people stepped up to help us.”
Each child reportedly received more than $500 in new gifts.
The sheriff’s office also shared that their “Shop with the Sheriff” program helped five families facing hardships this year.
Donations for the program were raised through local events, with supermarket Meijer South Haven matching contributions. “This event is something we look forward to every year,” officials said.
