(WSIL) -- Family and friends are coming together to remember a local boy whose life was taken tragically on Christmas of 2019. There's a fundraiser to give back and honor a life taken too soon.
Twelve-year-old Gavin Lowe from Herrin lost his life by his father's hand in the early morning hours on Christmas of 2019. His death was ruled murder-suicide just days after the .
"Gavin was an amazing little boy. He entered a room and just smiled and lit it up," says Gavin's Aunt Jodi Miller.
Miller says they don't want to remember Gavin by how he died, but remember his legacy in the positive light that he was known for spreading.
"We got and the Gavin's Group together to design a t-shirt that would most represent Gavin the best. They decided on sports of course, because Gavin was such a sports enthusiast," explains Miller.
Miller says that Gavin also had a passion for animals. That's why all of the money raised from the t-shirt sales will go to support animal rescue.
"He was a huge dog lover so no better place than a local animal shelter," states Miller.
"It was a very nice surprise for us to be chosen to honor this little guys memory because I guess he was only twelve years old and unfortunately I never got to meet him but he had a definite love for animals," says Diane Daugherty, President of the Board at St. Francis CARE.
Daugherty says all of the money raised from the fundraiser will go towards the animals. "It will be spent on the care of all of our animals. We are excited that our audit does show that 96 cents out of every dollar does go to the direct care of the animals."
Miller says it's the support from the community that keeps Gavin's memory alive. "The community, with all of their support and generousity, they're the ones that keep us going."
If you would like to support the fundraiser and honor Gavin you can purchase a t-shirt . Orders must be submitted by June 1st.
