Businesses raise funds for family after two girls drown in creek
By Todd Magel
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OSCEOLA, Iowa (KCCI) — The Osceola community is coming together to support the family of two young girls who drowned in White Breast Creek last Friday.
The girls, ages 7 and 10, went missing Friday night, and search crews found their bodies in the creek just outside of Osceola. Several local businesses are raising money to help the family during this difficult time.
At the Nutrition Hub on the Osceola Square, customers are buying energy drinks, knowing proceeds from Tuesday’s sales will go to the family.
“It was heartbreaking,” said Makalya Halverson, owner of Nutrition Hub
Halverson decided to donate her sales from Tuesday and this Friday to the family. “I know that the family is a very, very great family and very appreciative to everybody in the community that’s helping and trying to do anything that we can. But we’re hoping that they’re able to just take the time that they need to, to get through this tragedy,” she said.
Customers are eager to contribute.
“I feel like we’re such a smaller community, and we all just know the gather. And this is a great way to support money for this family in need right now,” said Ace Neisemier, a resident of Osceola.
The Clarke County sheriff confirmed the girls went missing Friday night and were later found in the White Breast Creek area east of Osceola. The news has shocked residents in Clarke County.
“Everybody just wants to help,” said Rebecca Bragg, owner of Nana Greer’s Family Table.
Bragg plans to open her restaurant Monday night to raise money for the family, with her staff volunteering to cook and wait tables. “I can’t imagine what that family is going through and what they’re dealing with. And the last thing that they should be worrying about is how they’re going to take care of the financial side of anything. So, I thought maybe we could help with that,” she said.
Other local businesses, including the Osceola Subway and the Junction Creamery, are also raising money this week to support the family.
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