WEST CHESTER, Ohio (WXIX) -Local business owners are raising money for the family of a 6-year-old boy with autism who was found dead on Thursday after an accidental drowning in West Chester.
The owner of Mz. Jades Soulfood Naiyozcsia Thomason and the owner of J. Mel’s VIP Barber Lounge J. Mel are each donating money for the family of Joshua Al-Lateef Jr.
“It hit home, it hit’s real deep. I think that’s why the community reached out so heavily because they can relate. We want to be there,” Thomason said.
J. Mel expressed his desire to help after witnessing the community rally around the boy’s family. For the next week, the barber shop will donate its services to benefit the Al-Lateef family.
“Thanksgiving week is a really busy time for me in the Barbershop, so I thought that would be a perfect time to take 10% of whatever I make to donate to go to whatever it is they need to cover during this time,” J. Mel said.
Thomason states that two years ago, she founded Soul Kids, a non-profit dedicated to providing Christmas gifts for children in need. This year, she is directing those funds to support Joshua’s family,
“The Lord laid it on my heart to bless Joshua’s family, so I didn’t even think twice about it,” Thomson said.
Thomason says that she will be giving the money she saved from the non-profit to Joshua’s mother on Sunday.
“The community support for this mother gives me so much hope in humanity, so much hope in the world. I love it, I love it. It’s amazing,” Thomason stated.
A candlelight vigil will be held for Joshua on Sunday at the Lakefront at West Chester Apartments for the public from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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