‘We’re a family’: Escanaba and beyond come together to support the Weavers

ESCANABA, Mich. (WLUC) - Escanaba is coming together in a time of need and showing the U.P. really is someplace special.

An outpouring of support from everyone -- when the community needs it most.

“We’re in such a small town but we’re a family, too. So, it’s so nice to see everybody just work together and help this family in any way that we can,” said Sabrina Larson, the head sales manager and marketing adviser at Delta Fence.

Tara and Jerry Weaver were killed in a car crash Friday on US-2 while driving to their son’s basketball game. They left behind three children, two of which are still at Escanaba High School.

Now, the entire community is showing the Weavers they are not alone.

“I can’t even imagine what they’re feeling going through this. It’s just a really important time for not only us but for the whole community, to come together and everyone do what they need to help lift them up,” said Gwendolyn Naeyaert, a manager at Drifter’s Family Restaurant.

On Wednesday, Drifter’s will be donating all proceeds from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. to the family.

“We are a close-knit family here at Drifter’s and we know the family personally. We just really believe in helping our community when we can - coming together to support each other,” said Naeyaert.

Delta Fence and Construction is making bracelets. They’re five dollars each - with 100% of the profits donated to the Weavers.

“We wanted to do something that would be in memory of the couple that was lost,” said Larson. “It was so nice to see the community all coming together and we thought it would just a great way for people to be wearing them out and about so their memory will continue.”

Canine Cares is visiting Escanaba Schools to help students process their grief.

“Talking to each other, letting people know they you’re there to support them is going to be the biggest thing. There are no words that are going to make it better. There was a lot of silence today and sometimes silence is needed,” said Veronica Williams.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the Weaver family.

According to the GoFundMe, the money raised will help the Weaver kids with funeral costs, food, gas, college, and more as they mourn the loss of their parents.

To donate to the GoFundMe click here.

For a full list of ways you can support the Weavers, click here.

Escanaba and beyond are coming together to show no one has to go through this alone.

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