Fund set up for Hoffman Estates family victimized by shooting
The owners of the FurnitureKidz store in Kildeer have offered to donate new beds to a Hoffman Estates mother who is struggling financially after her children were shot in a drive-by last month in Schaumburg.
The Daily Herald detailed Martha Mendoza's story on April 26. While Mendoza's 14-year-old daughter was just grazed, her 12-year-old son was shot in the arm and abdomen, and spent three weeks in the hospital. The story prompted several people to come forward with offers of help.
The 12-year-old is now recovering at home in a bed that was donated with the help of the Community Resource Center in Hoffman Estates. The other family members all sleep on the floor.
Marcia Gilbreth, who owns the furniture store with her husband Robert, said she was moved by Mendoza's story.
"She's a mom with kids, I'm a mom with kids," Gilbreth said Marcia Gilbreth. "Everybody's gotta help out these days."
Gilbreth said they will load up a truck with beds, and see how many will fit in Mendoza's apartment. The beds are scheduled to be delivered Wednesday.
Mendoza's children were shot March 10 as they were crossing the street to get treats at the 7-Eleven off Bode Road in Schaumburg. Police suspect this was a gang-related shooting, although they do not believe the children are involved in gangs, or that they were the intended targets.
The family has been struggling financially, because Mendoza has been off work since the shooting to nurse her son.
Sister Marianne Supan, of Church of the Holy Spirit in Schaumburg, said that now that beds are taken care of, financial contributions are the most needed.
Mendoza needs money to pay rent and utilities, but also expenses like taxi rides to doctor's visits, because she doesn't have a car.
Those who want to help with financial contributions can make out a check to Martha Mendoza and mail it to: Church of the Holy Spirit, Attn: Sister Marianne, 1451 W. Bode Road, Schaumburg, IL 60194.
Those who want to help with material donations should e-mail Sister Marianne at marianne.s@churchoftheholyspirit.org. or call the church at (847) 882-7580.