Last year, a family of 5 DC children was left without a mother or a father after they were killed in a senseless shooting in front of their home in Southwest. The kids were taken away to live in hiding in the Witness Protection Program, torn away from everything they knew and loved. Now, settled in a new home, their grandmother, Peaches, is doing her best to keep them together and help them rebuild their lives. Of course, the holiday season is the worst time for them now. 

At this time of year, as our families joyously come together to celebrate the traditions we hold dear, I can't stop thinking about Peaches, grandkids and the renewed trauma they suffer during the holidays. It has only been 18 months since they lost their parents to gun violence and were forced to leave their home, school and friends. Peaches tells me the children don't want to celebrate the holidays, but wouldn't it be wonderful to give them a hand at this difficult time. This is a direct and meaningful way to help a family in our community.