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Updated: 4:58 PM Aug 3, 2009
Only on 12: Local restaurants Give it 4Ward to burned out family
School is challenging enough with tests and peer pressure, but what happens when tragedy strikes? A 7 year old girl is the sole survivor of a fatal fire that killed her mother, sister, and cousin. She started her first full week back to school Monday. Give it 4Ward was there with a big surprise.
Posted: 3:27 PM Aug 3, 2009Reporter: Chris Thomas Email Address: chris.thomas@wrdw.com |
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News 12 First at Five, May 4, 2009
AUGUSTA, Ga.---School is challenging enough with tests and peer pressure, but what happens when tragedy strikes? A 7 year old girl is the sole survivor of a fatal fire that killed her mother, sister, and cousin. She started her first full week back to school Monday. Give it 4Ward was there with a big surprise.
The Give it 4Ward organization gave little 7 year old Shakiera more than $700 in free food, clothes, and toys. Golden Corral, Chick-Fil-A, and Arby's all pitched in to help. Organizers say this one was personal.
"I have two children age 6 and 9," Candye Smith who started the program. "When I found out what she went through I just couldn't imagine what she must be feeling."
"This is something I will never forget," said Sue Jamroga who is Shakiera's teacher. "Shakiera has always been a special little student. She always has a smile for everyone, and when I found out about the tragedy....my heart just broke."
Shakiera spent weeks in the hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. She still has weekly check-ups.
Give It 4Ward is a ministry devoted to the act of giving. "Giving people a brighter experience is our main mission!" says founder Candye B. Smith. "It is a sharing of love, compassion, and hope. It is uplifting people regardless of their backgrounds, ethnicity, or nationality. Give It 4Ward is a celebration of the recipient that is blessed for that day. Even though the giving is for a day, the seeds that are planted last a lifetime."
You can read more about Give It 4Ward here.
Are you a Give It 4Ward recipient? Let us know how you're passing the love along! Click here and tell us your story.