VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Each step is a reminder to be strong — Landyn Strong.
“Just one of our amazing Huskies," said Dr. Callie Richardson, the principal at Holland Elementary School. "He greets you every morning, smile on his face.”
That’s how Dr. Richardson describes Landyn Davis.
A stray bullet hit Landyn while he played video games inside his Virginia Beach home in February.
Since then, the community has rallied behind him and his family – including his school community.
“It started with our students just caring about Landyn, our faculty wanting to do something,” said Dr. Richardson.
On Wednesday morning, students at Holland Elementary dedicated their gym time to walking for Landyn.
“We came together so quickly," said Justin Watson, the Holland Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) president. "Everybody has stepped up and has done everything they could to help the family.”
Watson said the goal is to raise money for the family, with all the funds going directly to Landyn and his family. Watson said the group jumped into action as soon as they learned of his injuries.
“To fundraise as much as we possibly could. It’s not going to solve any problems but hopefully, it takes away some sadness, some burden that’s been left onto them.”
Throughout the day, all Holland Elementary students walked roughly 30 laps around the gym. Dr. Richardson said it’s about giving all that they can to help.
“We’re all on one page to make sure that we’re providing all that we can to help this family,” he said.
This won’t be the last effort to support Landyn and his family. Watson says the PTA is already working on upcoming events to help raise money.
You can donate to the fundraiser online.