Community Helps Family With Funeral Costs
CATHEDRAL CITY -It’s non-stop work. One car pulls inafter another. It’s just what the family wants and needs.
“It’s been steady all day,” says Alexia Silva, family member of the victims. “People are coming in to donate, but we still need more.”
“I want to help,” says Jeremy Kennedy. “I know every penny counts.”
On New Year’s Day a mobile home fire killed 30 year old Rosa Silva, her ex-boyfriend, her 7 year old son Sergio Hernandez and her 2 daughters – 11 year old Pamela Sanchez and 6 year old Selena Hernandez.
Family and friends of the victims held a car wash in Cathedral City on Sunday to raise money to lay their five loved ones to rest.
“I feel so bad for the family,” says valley resident Vicki Gruber.
Area residents empathize with the family and the surviving daughter, 13 year old Ciria Silva.
“I lost my mother in August. I can’t even imagine what it is like to loose a whole family,” says Gruber. “I can’t do a lot, but I can do this. I know every little bit helps.”
The support reaches beyond the car wash, into the entire community. The school were the three children went is now planning for what is sure to be a difficult day ahead as students return to school and learn what happened to their classmates.
“Three children, it’s a huge loss,” says Joseph Scudder, Principal at Vista Del Monte Elementary School. “We have counselors that will be there first thing in the morning in each of the children’s classrooms, helping kids deals with the loss.”
The two youngest children were in first grade at Vista Del Monte, Pamela was in 5th.
“Her friends are more aware of how final this is,” says Scudder.
Staff members at Raymond Cree Middle School, where Ciria goes, are ready to help her and her friends when they head back to school.
“We understand how important it is to show support for our kids,” says Tony Signoret, Principal at Raymond Cree Middle School.
Family members say, support is what’s carrying them through this unthinkable tragedy.
“Thank you for everyone who came,” says Michaela Flores, Rosa Silva’s sister.
“It feels excellent, excellent,” says Vidal.
There will be three car washes held at Raymond Cree Middle School next week. All donations will go to the family to help with funeral costs. The car washes will be on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3pm until 6pm. The school’s address is 1011 east Vista Chino, Palm Springs.
