O'FALLON, Mo. — A St. Charles County community worked together to help the Calkins family.
Mi Mexico Lindo Mexican Grill hosted a fundraiser at its O'Fallon and St. Peters location for a 9-year-old little girl killed last week.
At about 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 7, a 9-year-old within the Fort Zumwalt School District was hit and killed by a school bus on Lupine Court and Snowbird Lane in O'Fallon, Missouri. Police said the school bus driver was fully cooperating.
Ryan Coffman organized a GoFundMe campaign to help the family, wanting to remind them they're not alone.
"That's the biggest part is seeing the good in the community," Coffman said.
Beyond the restaurant sales, that campaign has raised more than $25,000. More than 500 donors have stepped up.
Coffman is a coach with the Fort Zumwalt South Junior Bulldogs, and the football field is right near the little girl's home.
The Calkins family has been very private. but a close friend said they're supportive and thankful for the fundraising efforts.
"The last thing that anyone should deal with is a financial burden or hardship," Coffman said. "The money will help with the funeral arrangements and any of the costs affiliated with that and have time to grieve properly."
Back at the scene on Wednesday, a makeshift memorial continued to grow.
"Really, thank you, and that's coming from the family, also. They feel very touched by the amount of support," Coffman said. "We hear about the bad all the time, but we never hear about the good. And even though it's a sad time and tragic loss, it's good to see we can come together and unite as one and be there for somebody."
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