LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - The “Prancer Path” just opened last week for the public to enjoy.

After visiting, people can place donations into locked boxes for the United Way of The Pine Belt.

United Way Pine Belt’s Executive Director Betsy Ivey told WDAM 7 that organizers checked both boxes Wednesday and Thursday, and all the money had been stolen.

Ivey said people also have been unplugging the trees and leaving bottles and cans of alcohol around.

The United Way has changed the locks on the boxes, but Ivey said it’s hard to catch people when the Path’s open 24 hours a day.

“So many people have worked night and day to make this happen,” said Ivey. “Although it’s a fundraiser for the United Way, it’s really our gift to the community. It’s open 24/7 until New Year’s.

“It’s so free for everyo

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