FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
There were suds and sadness in northeast Fresno Saturday, as the community rallied together, to help raise money for the family of 7-year-old Donovan Maldonado.
Donovan died after he and his family were run over by a car earlier this week.
They were riding their bikes across the street near Millbrook and Shepherd in northeast Fresno.
Police believe the driver, 42-year-old Loren LeBeau, a Central High School coach, was drunk when he plowed into Donovan, his father, and his baby sister.
As the family struggles to cope with their injuries and their loss, friends and strangers held car washes hoping to help the family with their mounting expenses.
The Clovis West Eagles pee-wee football team did their part to help the family of their teammate, who wore number 7.
"He was number seven, passed away at seven, it's a big loss," said Kyle Koontz, who was Donovan's coach.
"He was always hustling around, always smiling, always having a good time. He was easy to coach, real coachable kid...he was just a great kid," said Koontz.
Dozens of volunteers sprayed and scrubbed practically non-stop as hundreds of cars lined up to support the fundraisers.
"Everybody just wants a way to help, we can't ease their pain, but hopefully we can ease their financial burden by doing fundraisers like this," said Amanda Kincade, who helped organize the event.
18-month-old Bella was also hit and hurt badly, she was last listed in critical condition at the hospital.
Her father, Jesse Maldonado, was last listed in fair condition.
Many people who donated money at the fundraisers didn't know the Maldonado family, but were touched by the tragedy and were generous with their hearts and wallets.
"I think at least a couple of thousand definitely. People have been coming by $100 bills, I've gotten two $100 checks, hundreds of dollars at a time, people just want to help in any way they can," said Kincade.
Friends are planning to hold more fundraisers in the future for the Maldonado family.
