River Falls (WQOW) - In the midst of a tragedy is an inspiring story about community support.
Last week, 11-year-old Amara, 8-year-old Sophie, and 5-year-old Cecelia Schaffhausen were murdered at their home in River Falls. Their father, Aaron Schaffhausen, has been charged with three counts of murder.
As the investigation continued, the community reached out to help the grieving family. A benefit account in the girls' name was set up at the First National Bank of River Falls. "There was a businessman who got right on it the first day and was able to generate a lot of donations from a lot of different people. He brought that money in," says First National Bank President & CEO Jeff Johnson.
The man's goal was to raise $10,000 to cover some of the funeral expenses. He collected more than $30,000. Donations didn't stop there. "Money (came) from as far away as Texas, Florida, several different states...and I think you are going to see that happen more over the next few days as a lot of those are obviously arriving through the mail. Probably about every five or six minutes, we've had a group or a new person come in the bank to donate money," says Johnson.
Johnson says there are some amazing stories behind the donations. "We've had some kids that have sold some of their belongings to generate cash to give to Jessica (mother of girls). I saw some of the kids come in, kids five, six, seven years old, bringing in their money. They are actually bringing in their piggy banks and cleaning them out," says Johnson.
He says some people have told him they're donating because they don't know what else to do. "It's really... all you can do right now. I mean, there is nothing that is going to replace the loss of three children," says Johnson.
If you would like to help, you can send donations to the following address:
"Benefit Account for Schaffhausen Children"
First National Bank of River Falls
PO Box 166 River Falls, WI 54022
