During this holiday period, a family from Philadelphia is transforming their grief into a mission of generosity, paying tribute to their young son who lost his life in a tragic incident.
Kaylah Smith and Orlando Velez are distributing toys, winter clothing, and gift cards to multiple households. This initiative serves as a remembrance of their son Javier "Javi" Velez, an eight-year-old boy who died in Absecon, New Jersey, last year.
"I'm doing this because it's another way to keep Javi's name alive," Smith explained. "It's a way to see his face. It's a way to remember who he was, what happened to him."
Authorities reported that Javi was resting in a stationary vehicle during a fishing outing with his father when an intoxicated motorist left the roadway and collided with the car, resulting in the child's death.
Edward Johnston, aged 25, received a 15-year prison sentence earlier this year for aggravated manslaughter related to the crash.
Smith mentioned that contributions from friends, relatives, and online supporters made the donations possible. One beneficiary was Liz Gross, a mother of two children who experienced a house fire in September.
"Being a mom with two kids and like the holidays and everything else it's really incredible she's able to help," Gross said.
Velez wore a costume of the Grinch—Javi's preferred character—instead of Santa while delivering presents. The pair is additionally promoting "Javi's Law," a New Jersey legislative proposal that would mandate immediate incarceration for drunk drivers involved in fatal accidents.
"Javi's killer got to go home that night after he killed Javi. They knew he killed Javi, and they still let him go free. He remained free for an entire year. With Javi's Law, that won't be able to happen ever again," Smith stated.
Smith noted that bringing happiness to others has become part of their healing process.
"Christmas is not the same for us anymore, so we don't really have much joy for Christmas," she shared. "We just try to give other people joy - the joy that we can't find anymore."
The family intends to maintain their charitable efforts on Tuesday, with Smith anticipating assistance for approximately 16 to 18 families in total.
