ABOVE PHOTO: People from all over Philadelphia left these items creating this touching memorial at Germantown and Allegheny for the three Tioga children killed by the carjacking last month. (Photo by H. Michael Hammie)
State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, D-Phila., extends his thanks and appreciation to the many individuals and organizations who have come forward in the aftermath of the hit-and-run tragedy that claimed the life of three innocent children in North Philadelphia on July 25.
“A little over a week ago, two men in a carjacked SUV lost control of their vehicle, ramming it into a family who were selling fruit to support the good works of their church,” Thomas said. “Three innocent children lost their lives and two others, as well as their mother were injured. We continue to mourn the loss of Keiearra Williams (15), Thomas Reed Jr. (10) and Terrence Moore (7).
“In the wake of this unspeakable tragedy, so many organizations and individuals have come forward with an outpouring of love and support. This just shows how people are willing to step up to help their neighbors in the midst of madness. Today, I’d like to recognize some of these people.
“As I extend thanks, Keisha Williams and her two children who were injured, but survived — Aisha Williams (13) and Sharmaine Williams (11) – continue to fight to regain the lives that so drastically changed in a matter of seconds that day.”
Thomas extended his thanks to Education Works Inc.
“Because of this organization’s stewardship, people have been calling asking how they can help out this family,” Thomas said.
Thomas also thanked former Philadelphia 76er Charles Barkley who offered to pay for the funerals of the three siblings who died during the incident, as well as Frances Funeral Home, Shop Rite, several local florists, the local cemetery association, the Seventh Day Adventist Church at 16th and Oxford, the Father’s Day Rally Committee (which planned the candlelight vigil and have continued to provide security for the family), attorney Vivian Crawford, the City of Philadelphia, Youth For Change and the people of the 1200 block of Hilton Street – all of whom stepped forward to help the family and to honor the lives of the young people that were lost.
“They all came together to support this family and mourn the loss of these three innocent children through love and contributions,” Thomas said. “These individuals and organizations stepped up to the plate, showing love and support for not only Keisha and her children, but also for Thelma Brown, who was injured during the incident.
“The incident is over, but the work to help this family remains. I call on the community at large to continue to care about what happened to these children and this family. I will continue to work with the family to help them get back to some semblance of normalcy.
“Anyone who would like to make a donation to help the family may do so through Education Works Inc. or TD Bank, 2201 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. Please mention the donation is going to Keisha Williams and Children Trust Fund.”
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