HAMPTON -- 3-year-old Victor, 2-year-old Marilyn, and 9-month-old Jose Tristan were beloved members of their community in Hampton.
Thursday night their family and neighbors gathered to grieve the loss of the three little children.
"We still don't believe it. I'm here and I still don't believe it," said Carmen Martinez, their former babysitter.
The children were killed when flames ripped through their trailer on the 600 block of Buckroe Avenue Tuesday night. Only their parents and 8-year-old sister made it out alive.
"She's beautiful," said Martinez. "The way I explain it to her now is those are angels and they're going to be watching over her."
Her classmates and teachers from Langley Elementary School held a fundraiser at Chik-fil-A Thursday night.
Peoplel from all over Hampton Roads crowded into the restaurant and raised $1,800.
"Our prayers just go out to those parents," said Angie Dunn, who drove to Hampton from Norfolk. "We just can't imagine what they're going through."
"I know tonight's just a start," said Langley Elementary School Principal Katie Herman. "We hope to be able to continue to support them."
The Ladies Auxiliary of Buckroe is working with JC Penney to get clothing for the survivors for the funeral, which will be held at St. Joseph's on Buckroe Ave.
The auxiliary has also set up a trust in the names of the victims at Wachovia Bank.
Donations can be sent to:
Buckroe Fire Station 2412 E Pembroke Ave. Hampton, VA 23669
Checks should be made payable to Tristan Family c/o Buckroe Ladies Auxilary.
The Hampton Fire Department is offering free smoke detection checks and a free home safety survey. To schedule a visit, call 727-1210.
