Lost holiday decorations near Gateway Arch, St. Louis
Description
I was stringing up lights and a garland in my apartment near the Gateway Arch downtown when a gust from the window knocked the garland off the mantle and sent ornaments rolling across the living room. The Holiday decorations are more than decor to me; one heirloom glass ball from my grandmother and a small wooden star painted by my sister are in that box. The room feels bare without them, and the memories feel farther away with each passing minute. I retraced every step: from the couch to the coffee table to the kitchen threshold. If someone happened to have found them tucked behind the sofa or by the front door, I’d be grateful to be reunited with them.
Approximate last-seen location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely get your item back
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the finder before meeting
- Ask them to describe a detail not shown in your listing, such as an engraving, scratch, or contents.
- Request a clear photo of the item from an angle you did not post.
- Do not pay any release, shipping, or storage fee.
- Do not share your full address until you have verified them.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.