Just last month, a mother and a grandmother were shot and killed in front of her children. Now, those two kids are growing up without their mom and grandma.
The children’s aunt has now taken on the responsibility of raising these kids. But, she has three kids of her own, and one of them is a newborn. This family needs donations so that these kids can have a nice Christmas despite the tragedy they’ve witnessed. So, FGCU is trying to organize donations for this fmaily.
For Anne Fleury’s two young children, their holiday celebration won’t be the same. Julienne Fleury is Anne’s aunt. “For kids to be dealing with something like that its really hard you know unbelievable,” she said.
Their mother, along with their grandma, Jean Pierre Charles Andre, was shot and killed right in front of them last month. “When you see your own father have to take your mom and grandma away from you,” said Julienne.
The family is still trying to make sense of last month’s double murder, which includes these children. “When you see your own father have to take your mom and grandma away from you,” Julienne said. “The boy talks about it a lot.”
The children will live with their aunt, who recently gave birth to her third child. “Jennifer showed them a picture of where she was, you know, in the hospital and they really want Jennifer to come home. And they also call her mom,” said Louise Juene, another family member.
Now, the community wants to come together to support this family’s needs. The integrated studies department at Florida Gulf Coast University is donating toys and funds to help provide these kids with the Christmas they deserve. Jamie Wilson is the organizer of this donation drive. “We feel happy about it,” said Wilson.
“We would love to have donations in by December 15. So we can make sure that things are bought, money is given and items are wrapped to be under the tree by Christmas” said Wilson.
Below is a list of the items the integrated studies department is trying to get for the family:
Child Age Sizes/Needs Boy 9 (3rd grade) Shirt and bottoms: Size 12 Shoes: 4
Needs: Holiday Gifts
Boy 6 (Kindergarten) Shorts: Size 10 Shirts: Size 8
Shoes: 2
Needs: Basic necessities such as underwear socks, shoes, toiletries, play clothes and HOLIDAY GIFTS
Girl 7 (1st grade) Shirts and bottoms: Size TBD Shoes: Size TBD
HOLIDAY GIFTS
Girl 2 Clothing: 2T Shoes: Size TBD
Needs: Basic necessities such as underwear socks, shoes, toiletries, play clothes and HOLIDAY GIFTS
Girl newborn Preemie/Newborn: Basic Necessities: Diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, etc.
If you would like to donate to the Fleury children, you can contact Wilson at JAWilson@fgcu.edu.