Local business owners are raising money for the family of a 6-year-old autistic boy who drowned accidentally in West Chester on Thursday.
Naiyozcsia Thomason, owner of Mz. Jades Soulfood, and J. Mel, owner of J. Mel’s VIP Barber Lounge, are both donating money to Joshua Al-Lateef Jr.’s family.
The impact was profound and resonated deeply. I believe this is why the community responded so strongly: they can relate. “We want to be there,” Thomason stated.
J. Mel expressed his desire to assist after seeing the community rally behind the boy’s family. For the next week, the barbershop will donate its services to help the Al-Lateef family.
“Thanksgiving week is a really busy time for me in the barbershop, so I thought that would be a perfect time to take 10% of whatever I make to donate to go to whatever it is they need to cover during this time,” according to J. Mel.
Thomason claims to have founded Soul Kids, a non-profit that provides Christmas gifts to underprivileged children, two years ago. This year, she’s using those funds to help Joshua’s family.
“The Lord laid it on my heart to bless Joshua’s family, so I didn’t even think twice about it,” Thomson told me.
Thomason plans to give the money she saved from the non-profit to Joshua’s mother on Sunday.
“The community’s support for this mother gives me so much hope for humanity and the world. I love it.” It’s amazing,” Thomason said.
The Lakefront at West Chester Apartments will host a candlelight vigil for Joshua on Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
