Eighteen-year-old Pitman High School graduate Katelyn Darrow woke up Wednesday ready to begin her next chapter in life — college in California.
Unfortunately, she walked out to the family car to find the rear window smashed and her personal belongings and school possessions stolen.
Although Darrow had to delay her flight, she did not wait long for support.
Nothing like having your car broken into and all of your belongings stolen the night before you leave for college… pic.twitter.com/Uwh3g7v7JL
— Katelyn Darrow (@KatelynDarrow) August 26, 2015
After hearing the news, the South Jersey community is coming together to raise funds to replace Darrow’s items and fix the damaged car, thanks to a GoFundMe page created by Darrow’s neighbor.
On Thursday, 18 hours after being created, the GoFundMe page exceeded a $3,000 goal.
Darrow’s neighbor Lisa Sibley took to the GoFundMe page she created to thank everyone for their help.
“The outpouring for this family is so amazing,” Sibley said.
Darrow, who is the organizer of Angels of God Clothing Closet, a nonprofit that provides free clothing and more to those in need, was devastated about what happened but believes items are just items.
“I can’t complain,” Darrow said. “I’m just trying to move forward and stay positive.”
Darrow, who spends her time helping those in need, found it strange to be the one who was getting help.
“When you see the community come together, it restores faith.”
Last October, Darrow taped an episode of the Steve Harvey Show in Chicago. She was awarded a special edition “Harvey’s Heroes” jacket and a $5,000 gift card to the retailer http://www.gilt.com.
Darrow told the Courier-Post last October that she started Angels of God after her family faced its own misfortune.
“My whole family received help from a domestic violence shelter,” she noted. “Then, in third grade, my house caught fire, and we had to relocate for a year and live with friends and family.
“I knew what it was like to be in need, and I never forgot what the community had done for me.”
Angels of God started as a resource for struggling families to pick out clothing and shoes. It has expanded to provide toiletries and food, and it also sponsors bowling and roller-skating outings for children in shelters.
For more on the GoFundMe campaign, visit gofundme.com/sk2s7t9w. For more on Angels of God, visit angelsofgod.org/
Filed under: VOICES FROM CAMPUS Tagged: charity, freshmen year, new jersey, social good, university of california