SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Empire Mall’s Santa Claus took to social media after his possessions were recently stolen from his dressing room.
Dale Buxcel has been Santa at the mall for 27 years. On Wednesday morning, he posted on his Facebook that his bag was stolen.
“Someone broke into my dressing room at the Mall and took my Santa bag with my wallet and cell phone including my drivers (license) and all my credit cards,” he said.
In 2017, Buxcel lost his home and belongings to a house fire. People in KELOLAND, including a local photographer, rallied together to help him raise money.
In a recent Eye on KELOLAND, Buxcel said he’s loved being being a part of the Sioux Falls Christmas season for nearly three decades.
“You can’t even imagine how much I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “The little kids have grown up and their children have come to see me.”