The popular east side snow cone stand was robbed and the El Paso community is pulling together to help them replace the things they need in order to reopen.

The Tropical Sno stand at 3021 McRae lost equipment vital to their operation in the robbery. Photos of the stand and some of the damage done were posted online.

Photo, Facebook/Tropical Sno
Photo, Facebook/Tropical Sno
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The stand has been in business under the present owners for over 11 years and, when you count the years it was in operation under the previous owners, has been cooling off area El Pasoans for around 35 years.

Making it a local landmark and an iconic image for its east side neighborhood.

Photo, Facebook/Tropical Sno
Photo, Facebook/Tropical Sno
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Owner Brenda Sheehan said the thieves stole just about everything they had including their most vital asset, the ice shaving machine itself. Not only was this machine an integral component to their business, it was also a prized family heirloom.

Brenda said that "hurt the most" due to its sentimental value. It belonged to her mother who ran the Tropical Sno on Kirby, near UTEP, for many years and was "the best machine ever".

Over the years that I have owned it, I have built a bond with the customers and never have I felt unsafe or threatened by anyone at anytime. Showing up and seeing the door open and realizing all the stuff was gone was heartbreaking. I love my stand, my customers and the smiles on their faces when I hand them their shaved ice.  - Brenda Sheehan

An online fundraiser has been set up, along with a gofundme page, to help replace the missing equipment and keep the locally owned and operated, family business going.

I always tell people we aren't Disneyland, but I promise you this is the second happiest place on earth. - Brenda Sheehan

All donations are welcome and anyone with any information about the equipment or the crooks who took it are asked to contact the El Paso Police Department.

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