ROCK HILL, S.C. — Neighbors in Rock Hill are continuing to come together for the families affected by the tragic shooting that took place just one week ago at Budiman’s Smoke Shop on Cherry Road.
That shooting took the lives of 27-year-old Celci Johnson and 49-year-old Emad Saadalla.
“You can tell how much the community does care and how much they want to help,” explained Kayla Stanek, the front house manager at Richie’s Italian Bistro and an organizer for the donation drive.
Since the shooting, the community has stepped up to collect donations for the victim’s families to ensure they’re taken care of for the holidays. People have taken the time to bring bags of gifts and essentials to the restaurant to be delivered to the family.
Stanek also said so far, monetary donations are nearing $2,000.
“This is the least we can do. We can’t take the pain away from them but if we can just make them smile and ease the pain – even if it’s just for an hour or 15 minutes - that’s all that matters,” she said.
The donation drive was initially scheduled to end Dec. 13, but Stanek says since the turnout has been so amazing she’s extending it throughout the weekend.
If you would like to donate, organizers say they’re still looking for diapers, wipes, and clothes specifically for a 15-year-old and 11-year-old.
You can drop off all donations this weekend at Richie's, located at 819 Terrace Pak Ste. 103 in Rock Hill.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.
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