Hoffman Estates family pays it forward

In the spirit of the holiday season, a Hoffman Estates family decided to turn their misfortune into a donation for nearby St. Hubert's Catholic Church.

While Jeff and Joan Michels still are reeling from vandals who drove across their front lawn over the weekend destroying their decorations, they decided to pay a good deed forward.

Tree Classics, an artificial tree and holiday decor business in Lake Barrington, offered to replace a manger set the family lost after vandals drove across their front yard Friday night or early Saturday morning.

“They seemed particularly upset about losing the nativity scene,” said Margie Smyth, store manager. “We we wanted to reach out to this family that lost everything.”

When the Michels finally accepted the offer on Wednesday, they decided instead to donate it to their church, St. Hubert's Parish in Hoffman Estates.

“We're very appreciative of the offer,” Jeff Michels said, “but (the statues are) almost too nice for the front yard. They're beautiful and we felt they belonged at a church.”

They delivered their donation on Wednesday, the same day church staff members set out to decorate for the Christmas season.

“We love them, it's a beautiful donation,” said staff member Beth Masen. “Our old statues were chipped and fading.”

Church officials have positioned the nativity scene, including Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus, on the south side of the church near its main entrance and away from the street.

In the meantime, the Michels and the Hoffman Estates police are still looking for the vandals.

Fresh snow covers much of the damage, which they have left up, but their reward sign remains visible and still draws onlookers.

“We've had several people stop by with information and others have left cards,” Jeff Michels says. “I know the police have interviewed some of them.”

Hoffman Estates police said they have followed up on leads that have come in, and they continue to spread the word in search of the perpetrators.

“We're putting out crime alert bulletins,” said Sgt. Joe Crimmins, “but so far we have nothing to report.”

Joan Michels estimated the financial damage at $1,500 to $2,000, with the loss of six large inflatables, a gingerbread scene, holiday train and the nativity. But it's the sentimental investment that cannot be replaced. Some of their decorations go back nearly 25 years, the couple said.

Jeff Michels says the family is sad that after 10 years of living in their home and putting up their elaborate display, this has to happen.

“We've had people drive over the lawn before, but this was deliberate,” Michels says. “You can tell from the tire tracks. They went right over the displays.”