Leiby Kletzky’s Family Turns Tragedy Into an Opportunity to Help
by Leah Koenig | July 27, 2011 | 0 commentsSeveral weeks ago, New York City was rocked by a stunning tragedy when an 8-year old Brooklyn boy named Lieby Kletzky was kidnapped and killed by a fellow community member while walking home from camp.
This type of violence is always shocking, but Kletzky’s young age and innocence made the situation even more painful – for his family, for the community, and for everyone who has followed the story.
Now, the Kletzky family has set up a memorial fund to raise money for other at-risk children and families. Specifically, the fund supports orphans, needy families, children falling behind in school, and critically ill young children. As the website says:
Leiby can never laugh again. Leiby can never play with his five sisters again. Leiby can never give his mother and father a goodnight kiss anymore. Leiby can never flash his sweet smile to anyone anymore. Leiby can never become Bar-Mitzvah…Leiby can never offer money to a needy person anymore…Leiby will never be able to do all the acts of charity and kindness he would have done had he been granted more years to live.But Leiby’s memory can and will live on through the Leiby Kletzky Memorial Fund established by his grieving parents and sisters.
In just a few short weeks the fund has already raised nearly $250,000 of its 1 million dollar goal. Equally as important, it has rallied the community and given people a positive way to cope with the grief and anger that comes with such a devastating loss. It has turned Lieby’s memory into a blessing.
To find out more and make a donation to the Lieby Kletzky Memorial Fund click here. To read more about the story, click here.
