Car Wash Held To Support Brothers Hit By Alleged Drunk Driver
CITRUS HEIGHTS (CBS13) - A community is coming together a little more than a week after a driver hit two boys as they walked to their Citrus Heights elementary school.
One of the boys is now home, while the other remains in critical condition after being struck by a car at Greenback Lane and Mariposa Avenue.
A charity car wash was held in the parking lot of Skycrest Elementary School Saturday.
"We've had 10 (cars) deep and it's just been a steady flow all morning," said one volunteer.
"I didn't expect this many people, especially that early in the morning. We weren't even set up and people were showing up," family member Brenda Mendoza said.
People who don't even know the boys, 6-year-old Juan and 8-year-old Henry Perez-Rocha, came to show support.
"I think it's for a great cause. I teach at San Juan High School and a lot of my students are working here today," the teacher said.
Many, with children of their own, can't even imagine what the family is going through.
"It's such a tragedy. I'm just here to do anything I can to help the family. My heart just goes out to them," said Deborah Rasberry.
Rasberry says her 2-year-old child also was hit by a car.
"I can understand how mom feels, and I just want to hug her and tell her that everyone, everything's going to be alright, and everybody's praying for them," said Rasberry.
Juan is now recovering at home, while Henry remains in critical condition.
"We're all very saddened, and it shouldn't have happened," said Margie Reeves, the boys' teacher.
Reeves had both boys in her class at Skycrest Elementary.
"These are the kids you want in your class. As a teacher these are the kids that are responsible, loved by everybody," said Reeves.
Mendoza says the boys' mother would be touched by the turnout.
"She would be so grateful that so many people have been coming together without knowing this family," said Mendoza.
"We're all praying for them and just wishing and hoping for the best," said Reeves.
Police say the boys were in the crosswalk with their mother when they were hit by alleged drunk driver, Tresa Sterba.
