Fire devastates toy donations, but Salem community unites to save Christmas [Video]

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 …