Lost and found connects families with items left behind after Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Many items were left behind on Sunday, Nov. 21, as people ran for safety during the Waukesha Christmas parade. Days after the tragedy, city leaders were able to gather those things in one place.

Dozens of lawn chairs, blankets and other items are inside the Parks, Rec and Forestry Department in Waukesha -- located at 1900 Aviation Drive.

Tuesday, Nov. 23, CBS 58 met a father who picked up his things and also shared what he experienced on Sunday.

"The car came close to our side and then it swerved over to the other side. But you just saw the car tumble over everybody. It was just really sad," said Craig Lang.

Lang said this was the first year he and his two kids went to the parade. They'd usually go to Milwaukee's parade but heard good things about Waukesha and wanted to try it out.

Once the SUV tore through the crowd, he and his family rushed to safety.

The moment is something he said he never wants to experience again but being able to retrieve just a couple of their belongings provided some comfort.

It's not much, but he said it provides a bit of closure.

"It's wonderful. I wasn't sure if we'd see this stuff again. This stuff is not really the biggest deal here but just wanted to get it off the streets," said Lang.

The Parks, Rec and Forestry Department will be open today and tomorrow, Nov. 24, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Any leftover items will likely be donated to charity after the Thanksgiving holiday.