Update: Stolen leprechaun found, returned to Springs nonprofit

UPDATE:

A Colorado Springs nonprofit is feeling lucky after its stolen wooden leprechaun was found and returned, mostly unscathed.

“Lucky” is an important part of the Independence Center’s St. Patrick’s Day float. The organization was upset when the 7-foot tall, wheelchair bound leprechaun went missing a week before the parade.

The Independence Center says “Lucky” was found in a dumpster. The only damage? A broken wheelchair handle.

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ORIGINAL STORY

A Colorado Springs woman is hoping she will get lucky after making a startling discovery in her backyard.

An important part of Marie Bryan’s St. Patrick’s Day float is missing: one of two leprechauns.

Bryan says she discovered it Saturday morning.

“I realized our giant 6 1/2 foot leprechaun had been taken from my backyard,” said Bryan. “It was very devastating.”

It was stored at her home for safe keeping, and served a special purpose for her workplace, The Independence Center. It’s a local nonprofit that provides services for people with disabilities.

“He’s a part of our center, what we stand for and what we symbolize. Also, it’s a little bit of a violation to have someone take something from your yard and be in your personal space like that,” she added.

The leprechauns, which are in wheelchairs, are featured on each side of their float yearly.

“(They) came to us with help from the Springs Rescue Mission. The gentlemen over there cut them out of wood and painted them for us,” Bryan explained.

The process took several weeks to complete, and last year, they were able to put them on the float for the first time. That’s why Bryan says it’s especially upsetting.

“It’s very frustrating to know that people are so willing to take something that doesn’t belong to them. Especially something that doesn’t belong to them. It’s not electronics, it’s not a car it’s a painted piece of wood.”

A piece of wood, however, with an incredible value to the Independence Center.

And they want it back. Bryan wants whoever took it to return it, no questions asked.

“Bring it back in one piece and undamaged… I would be happy with that.”