The communities of Oroville and Butte came together around the Christmas Tree, during the Christmas Tree Lighting in Oroville, for the two kindergartners who were shot by a school shooter who took his own life after opening fire at the Feather River Adventist School near Palermo on Wednesday.
Five-year-old Elias Wolford and six-year-old Roman Mendez were shot during recess and have been in the hospital since undergoing many surgeries.
The vigil for the boys was organized by Stephanie Beaver, a grandma of 13, who said at the event that when she saw the post it shook her to the core, and she asked herself “What can I do?”
She wanted to bring some positivity to the families and those affected by the tragedy. She was fighting back tears and choked up with deep emotion for the two boys who remained in the hospital in critical condition. She expressed her gratitude and was in awe of how the community came together.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office chaplain Kenny Malone also spoke at the vigil and took the time to recognize that not everyone shares faith or beliefs but can still come together around a Christmas tree and lean on each other with hope.
Pastor Steve Brown from the Seventh Day Adventist Church led a prayer in the vigil for the two boys as well and encouraged others to keep praying for them as the days go on.
Butte County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Kenny Malone spoke again saying “The United States is upon us. They’re watching us tonight; they’ve heard about this little community called Oroville” adding that what makes every community great is the churches and the people in those communities.
Brian and Glenn who came out to the vigil said “We came out here tonight to show support and be Butte Strong, joining the community with the families who have to deal with hell during the holidays.”
Barbara, a grandma of three, “I came because I wanted to let the families know they are not alone and that we are with them and are pulling for those babies to make it as a Christmas miracle.”
Even though it took something horrible, it’s beautiful to see when communities of all faith, creed, and walks of life come together and show that they care for one another and that those grieving are not alone in this moment.
