PORTSMOUTH, Va. — People who work and live in Portsmouth are pitching in to help the grief-stricken family in ways they know how.
13News Now spoke with relatives last week about their devastating losses. As they prepare for three funerals, the community is showing an outpouring of support.
Portsmouth firefighters said a fire caused by a candle at a Neville Street duplex on March 8 killed Aria Williams, 37, her 2-year-old daughter Ellay White and 4-year-old son Lamar White, Jr.
"I mean, he's, he's my grandkids age," said Kathy Smith. One of her grandchildren went to daycare with the young boy affectionately called "Junior."
Smith is collecting items for the relatives who made it out of the fire alive, including Williams' newborn grandchild.
"This baby has to survive and the rest of the family has to keep going," said Smith. "It's scary, but most, I think it's heartbreaking."
Smith can pick up the items locally.
Furthermore, hundreds of people are pitching in with donations on a fundraising page online. As of the afternoon of March 18, it has garnered more than $21,000.
The page honors Williams as a cherished family member with a vibrant spirit. Relatives said she tried saving the two children who died.
Junior is remembered for his love of Spider-Man and cheery Ellay loved Peppa Pig.
"Just open your hearts and pull this family in because they need all the love they can get right now," said Smith.
Managers and employees at the Portsmouth restaurant Guava are also showing their love. Located on 4592 George Washington Highway, Guava held a donation drive for baby supplies, blankets, gift cards and more this past weekend.
"We collected some toys, shoes. I know the girls had toiletries, underwear," said waitress Drea Hunt.
Hunt mentioned some of their customers knew Williams personally.
"It really did tug at everyone's heartstring and it could've happened to any of us. I couldn't even imagine having to start over," said Hunt.
The team at Guava already gave Williams' relative what they've collected, so far. Employees want to keep helping the family as best they can.
"The way everybody pulls together, it just gave them a little bit more hope," Hunt added.
Another collection drive will take place March 24 at Guava from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are looking for the following items.
- Baby girl clothing, newborn and up
- Wipes
- Diapers, size 1 and up
- Junior girl's tops, sizes small and medium
- Junior girl's bottoms, sizes small and medium
- Towels
- Wash Cloths
- Bedding sets (teen twin bed)
- Personal hygiene items
- Baby supplies
- Toiletries
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Women's socks and underclothes, sizes small and medium
- Youth shoes, sizes 6.5 and 7
- Gift cards - retail stores
- Men's jeans, size 31
- Men's shoes, size 10.5
- Men's shirts, size medium
Williams' home on Neville Street was destroyed and a memorial outside began to form.
Family members previously told 13News Now they wanted to lay their three loved ones to rest this weekend.