By Kevin Hanson-The Courier-Herald

There is a Grinch alive and well, but some holiday angels exist, as well.

Attempting to ruin the Christmas season for needy families, someone broke into a Buckley storage unit last week and pilfered a pile of toys destined for children who otherwise might go without.

The toys had been donated through a “giving tree” program that started within the Police Department but has been handed off to the larger Fire Department. Gifts are donated by the community and, with their families and friends, firefighters then wrap and deliver presents.

Assistant Chief Bill Boyle and a group of Explorer Scout volunteers arrived at a donated storage unit last week, intent on collecting some gifts to be wrapped. Instead, they found an empty container.

When city police dispatcher Arlene Franklin learned of the theft, she quickly contacted Wal-Mart, which operates a charitable foundation. The retail giant came through with a $5,000 check.

Boyle and a band of volunteers were soon making a return trip to Wal-Mart, using the donation to buy presents for more than 150 kids.

“It started out as a really bad story,” Boyle said, “but it turned out really wonderful.”

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.