My Experience at Haleigh’s Closet

From a friend who would prefer to remain anonymous.

 

I spent most of the day at Riverfront Park on Saturday, August 15.  I arrived early enough to assist the family with setting up tents, decorating, and getting organized.  Crystal, Marie, and several other family members & friends, old and young were there to support the family and the event.

 

The turnout was fair.  Many generous internet friends from out of town sent school supplies to Marie’s home so we started out with several boxes before the event was opened.  Several generous donors stopped at the park throughout the day to bring their donations of school supplies.  One special visitor drove all the way from Tampa to deliver a gigantic rubbermaid container loaded with at least 40 lbs of school supplies. 

 

The most important goal……….getting Haleighs name and face in the media was accomplished.  Several media outlets visited throughout the day to take pictures, video, and conduct interviews with the family.

 

The first two media vans arrived around 12:00 noon.  Within 60 seconds of their arrival, Ron, Misty, Annette, and Teresa pulled into the park with Butterbean/Ron Jr. in tow.  They brought backpacks loaded with school supplies, which they dropped on the table.  Butterbean jumped out of the car and immediately ran to his mother.  He did not leave her side until he got back into the car with his father to leave.

 

After the Cummings dropped their school supplies, they proceeded to post signs advertising their own event, a balloon release around the perimeter of the park.   They spoke with the media as well.  After about 30-40 minutes it looked like it was going to rain.  The two media vans left and the Cummings left right after them.

 

Throughout the time the Cummings were at the park, an unmarked Palatka PD vehicle remained in the parking lot.  When they left, so did the police vehicle.

 

The school arrived around 4:30 to collect the donated supplies.  They were thankful and appreciative of the efforts of the family to help Haleigh’s classmates have what they need for school.

 

As to the general mood of the family, I have to admire Crystal, Marie and the rest of their family for their strength and positivity.  The event was similar to a family picnic, complete with friends stopping by to visit, fried chicken, children playing, cupcakes, some smiles, some tears and a great deal of love.  That this family can find something to smile and even laugh about is a testament to their resilience.  In spite of the obvious pain and the numerous questions, they remain positive that this case will be resolved in God’s time and they are confident that justice will be served.

 

Saturday is a day I will never forget.  Crystal, Marie, and their family & friends are people I will never forget.  

 

I must add that contrary to rumors being perpetrated on the internet, the family did not sell anything at the Haleigh’s Closet event.  T shirts with Haleigh’s face were worn by everyone who spent the day at the event,  however they were not offered for sale.  Nor were cash donations solicited at all throughout the day.