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‘I'm devastated': Grinch steals Santa's suit & toy bag at Overland Park QuikTrip

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A Grinch may have stolen Christmas for some in Kansas City by robbing Santa of his ability to visit children.

On Saturday, 40-year Santa impersonator Gary Senner’s van was stolen from the Overland Park QT on Metcalf near 79th Street. Senner ran in to grab a cup of coffee around 11:30 a.m. and when he came out, the van was gone.

Someone in the parking lot told Senner they saw a white 2001 Chrysler Town & Country speed off north on Metcalf.

“I’m devastated,” said Senner, 62.

Inside the van: Santa’s phone, toy bag, hat and his most prized possession, a 10-year-old handmade Santa suit that Senner created together with his mother. Senner describes it as a unique mix between European Santa and the original ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ Santa, valued between $500 - $1000.

“Money is not the importance of it, it’s really, I’m very, it’s very connected to me,” said Senner. “It’s the persona I’ve created over the years. It’s an heirloom for me.”

Without the suit, Senner doesn’t have the key piece of the uniform to continue his public appearances at churches, hospitals and holiday parties.

“Being Santa is not something, it’s really all about the heart. It really is about giving back to everybody. I have a mission of trying to bring joy to as many children as I can,” said Senner.

Senner has been the Mission Santa the past two seasons.

“I can only hope that maybe someone will see this and just take it someplace to a fire department or church or someplace where I can retrieve these things,” said Senner.

Meanwhile, a co-worker of Senners from his day job as a medical transport driver, started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Senner to attempt to replace the stolen suit.

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Brian Abel can be reached at brian.abel@kshb.com. 

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