Ed Grant doesn't understand it. Why would someone take a Christmas tree of all things?
"What's a Christmas tree? That's what gets me. It's not worth anything per se," he said. "I just can't fathom people stealing stuff."
On Saturday morning, a Christmas tree outside of Cancer Support Community Arizona near 7th Street and McDowell Road vanished. It was the non-profit's "Tribute Tree," decorated with ornaments and messages from people touched by cancer. At first, staff members thought someone may have taken it into the building.
"As we started to text and communicate, we realized that the tree was stolen," said McKenzie Simmons from Cancer Support Community Arizona.
Simmons said every last ornament on it was gone. The organization believes someone must've taken it between 10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday.
"It seems like they rolled up, unplugged the Christmas tree, took every ornament, hearts, and lights, threw in the back of the truck or car and drove off," she said.
Coincidentally, the center was just approved for a new surveillance system, but it hasn't been installed yet.
The thief likely couldn't get much for it monetarily. But symbolically, it was priceless.
"It created something special for individuals affected by cancer. Through the holidays that can be very emotional," said Simmons.
If you'd like to donate to help replace the tree, you can click here for more information.
