Somebody is cutting onions!
A mother of three who became the guardian of her late friend’s three toddlers is gifted with a new van, Blavity reports.
Lashelle Roberson is a mother of three from Buffalo, New York. This past September, her 23-year-old friend Rayshionna Johnson was tragically shot at a block party and later succumbed to her injuries. After Johnson’s death, Roberson stepped up, becoming guardian to Johnson’s three children, a set of 2-year-old twins and a 1-year-old baby girl.
“Rayshionna asked me to take her kids, and that’s what I intend to do,” Roberson told reporters.
As a result of her growing family, Roberson struggled to find transportation that would accommodate them all, heading to the Basil Family Dealership on October 13th to look at possible new cars. When she returned a few days later, she discovered that the dealership had partnered with the local Buffalo F.A.T.H.E.R.S group to surprise her with a 2016 Dodge Caravan and a car full of gifts for the children.
Lashelle Roberson took in three orphaned children after their mother’s tragic death last month. Roberson has three children of her own and is struggling to find a vehicle to fit her newly expanded family. @specnewsbuffalo pic.twitter.com/KeVb667duW
— Fadia Mayté Patterson M.S. (@FadiaTVNews) October 16, 2020
advertisement
In a video capturing the surprise, Roberson can be seen visibly holding back tears as she’s overwhelmed with joy at her new gift. The Basils say giving back has always been a staple of their family, and they were overjoyed to work with the community to assist the mom of 6.
In a short ceremony, John Basil spoke, saying, “We really commend the fact that… you’re adopting the three children, the toddlers, and we know it’s a major, major responsibility for you going forward. We’re excited to help…out. Giving back to the community is what our dad instilled in us!”
Roberson said that previously she relied on friends to assist her with transportation but is grateful to take the children out in one car finally. She hopes to go through with the adoption of the children in the future.
Currently, each of the Basil dealership locations are accepting donations to support the Roberson family. They need size 2T clothing for the twin boy and girl and clothing items for the 12-18-month-old child. New clothes and gift cards are encouraged due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To donate or support the Roberson family, please contact Katie at katie@basilmarketinggroup.com.
Photo Courtesy of Basil Family Dealership