Family turns loss into tradition of giving
A Raleigh family has turned their loss into a gift for children across the Triangle, one that has grown and grown for more than a decade.
Posted — Updated
On Friday, more than 30 volunteers fanned out in the aisles of the Brier Creek Target for the 10th annual Chris Groom Memorial Fund/Toys for Tots shopping spree.
After losing their son in a car accident in October 2003, Groom's parents committed themselves to raising money year-round for children's causes.
"You can do several things when you have a tragedy like that. We decided to turn it into some good," Mike Groom said.
They were inspired by a story told at Chris's funeral, of a gift he made to North Raleigh United Methodist Church without their knowledge.
Pastor Bob O'Keef told the Grooms that, in the Christmas season before his death, Chris had given $100 for less-fortunate children to have toys.
The Grooms return each year to Brier Creek because it is near the scene of the car accident that claimed Chris's life.
"This is what we can do in his honor, and we feel good about it, and year after year we’re just amazed at how many people want to help," Groom said.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
