Woman brings toys to Pa. kids who lost a parent to violence

By LEXI BELCULFINE

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

PITTSBURGH

For 5-year-olds Kyira and Rreeona, Santa Claus’ helper came early this year.

Clad in red, carrying bags of wrapped toys and goodies and donning a hat trimmed in white fur (though it read “Bah Humbug” across the band), she visited their family’s Mount Oliver home Friday.

Her name is Brandi Boyd, and the children on her list need a little extra help, she says.

They’ve all lost a parent to violence.

“I want to try to bring a little joy to them, even though what they really want I can never bring back, which is their parent,” she said sitting among stacks of toys ready to be delivered. “But I can show them there are people out who do care about it and are willing to do whatever we can to help them.”

She made her merry way to Mount Oliver to bring presents to Kyira Davis, Rreeona Whitaker and their brother, Duerryl Whitaker Jr., 7, and sister Parris Whitaker, 2. The youngest sister was born two months after their father, Duerryl Whitaker Sr., was shot and killed in the West End. Two men were convicted in his November 2010 death.

Boyd made sure each of the children got something they’d especially enjoy. The 5-year-old sisters couldn’t wait to open their tiaras and Barbie dolls. Duerryl carefully started unwrapping his cars and then tore into them. And Parris toddled across the room, quietly saying thank you before taking her presents: a noisy, flashing boom box and cell phone.

These are just four of the more than 40 children Boyd, 30, of Knoxville will deliver toys to, in neighborhoods from Coraopolis to East Liberty. She’s already visited 18, and on Christmas Eve, she planned to see 10 more kids.

“I’m so thankful for Brandi, for her heart to think of someone else’s child at this time of year,” said India Murphy of the Hill District. Boyd brought her daughter, Lyric, 8, got a lava lamp and bracelet-making kit.

She didn’t set out to be Santa’s helper.

Boyd had worked for the anti-violence group One Vision One Life, and when it folded, she wanted to remain in touch with her case load of 15 “troubled” kids, so she created a Facebook page, “Rip Fallen Soldiers,” which now has 5,000 friends who share photos and thoughts about lost loved ones and provide support to each other.

It’s about healing, she says.

The cyber community rallies year-round, sometimes organizing candlelight vigils, sometimes raising money for funerals, and for the second year, donates to Boyd’s toy drive.

“At the end of the day, the child’s smiles make it all worth it,” she said.