A memorial fund has been set up for 7-year-old Donovan Maldonado, who died when he was hit by a car last week.
Donations can be made at any Bank of America branch. No account number is needed, just specify it's for the "Maldonado Memorial Fund".
Saturday, the community rallied to support a Fresno family whose 7-year old son was killed this week when a car struck his bicycle. A couple of fundraising car washes were held to help offset living expenses for the Maldonado family.Wednesday night, a suspected drunk driver hit and killed Donovan Maldonado as he rode his bike on Shepherd Avenue near Millbrook. Donovan's dad and 18-month old sister were also struck and suffered serious injuries.
Near Fresno’s Pinedale neighborhood, dozens of volunteers mostly affiliated with the Clovis Eagles Youth Football Club, sprayed and scrubbed cars. They were raising money in honor of their running back and friend, 7-year old Donovan Maldonado.
“It's just sad,” said Abraham, Donovan’s teammate.
With Donovan’s dad in the hospital and unable to work, everyone's focus is on making sure the Maldonado family is financially stable.
“We can't help them emotionally. We can't help them with the tragedy they're facing and they're going to have to face the rest of their lives, but we can help them pay their bills,” said Julian Bailey, President of the youth football league.
Donors did not disappoint.
“We've had a couple hundred dollar bills thrown at us, 20s all over the place. We've been real fortunate,” said Kyle Koontz, Donovan’s coach.
Meanwhile, at the Break the Barriers parking lot in northeast Fresno, cars stretched out on to Cedar Avenue with drivers patiently waiting to give.
“We have a 7-year old ourselves, so I can just imagine what that's like,” said Veronica Mendez, a donor.
This car wash was put on by the Odyssey Soccer Club. Donovan's older sister plays for one of the teams.
“It's pretty awesome how everyone is coming around,” said Francisco Campama, a soccer coach.
The fundraiser had been planned for weeks. It was originally designed to help pay down the league's travel expenses, but the cause has since changed.
“What’s going to happen here looks like most of the proceeds are going to go to the family and rightfully so,” said Campama.
Today was teamwork at its best. Even though they gather for a somber set of circumstances, there's a sense of satisfaction amongst these folks who wound up collecting close to $15,000.
“Just real happy we can help,” said Bailey.
