News 12 first at five, August 13, 2009

AUGUSTA,Ga---Walmart is Giving it 4Ward with free school supplies. A recent murder-suicide left six children without their mother.

Candye Smith may be sparking a movement. News 12 was there as Rev. Larry Fryer unloaded book bags for a family of 8 children and grandchildren.

"This is what we must do for one another," said Rev. Larry Fryer. "We have to see about each other."

Many of the children were just feet away as their mother Tonya Sims was gunned down by her estranged husband.

"It's hard," said the victim's sister Carolyn Sturgis. "But God is going to bring us through it."

Rev. Fryer is trying to help.

"Yes," said Rev. Fryer. "Best way to Give it 4Ward. I think it has been a wonderful and a powerful thing."

"It is going to mean a lot to the kids. I went to register my little nephew this morning," said Carolyn. "They don't have anything to wear so it's going to make a big difference."

The 8 book bags came complete with pencils, clothes, and most anything you would need for the first day back to school.

"I really don't even have a total on it," said Jerome Burgess with Walmart. "I told them to do what they can do, and pack as much as they can pack in the book bags and lets get them out of here."

Rev. Fryer asked Walmart for the donations.

"We care about the community," said Burgess. "We want to get out and reach families in need."

"Giving it 4Ward," said Rev. Fryer. "We are very grateful that we could Give it 4Ward."

The family is also looking to give back by starting the Tonya Sims Trust for Domestic Violence.

"A family already suffering who has not even buried their own loved one is turning around and saying hey," noted Rev. Fryer. "There are others, and we are going to do what we can to help them."

If you would like to help you can make donations to Safe Homes of Augusta.