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D.A.L.E. Foundation recipients get vouchers before Saturday's event
WARREN
Dale A. Settle Jr.’s family will gather Saturday for the D.A.L.E. Foundation’s fourth annual food and clothing drive and distribution done in memory of Dale who was shot and killed protecting friends during a robbery in 2011.
The purpose of the D.A.L.E. Foundation is to spread random acts of kindness, family members said.
Dale’s family decided to turn the tragedy into something positive and established D.A.L.E., which stands for “Do A Little Extra.”
Over the past three years, more than 900 families have received Thanksgiving meals, groceries, gift certificates and warm clothing.
In addition to distributing these items, the family has also spread the story of Dale’s kindhearted spirit throughout the community.
Dale A. Settle Jr., 22 when he was killed, grew up in Newton Falls, attended the University of Akron and was a youth group leader for teenagers at his church, Faith Family Church in Canton, when he was shot in the abdomen Sept. 22.
He was on his way to Bible study with two friends when they were approached by two men, one of whom had a gun and demanded money.
Witnesses said Dale tried talking the gunman out of what he was about to do and offered to help him. He started talking to him about God.
When a car approached and the gunman lowered his gun so the passer-by did not see what was going on, Dale jumped in front of his two friends, reached for the gun, and was shot.
Witnesses say that as he fell, he was clutching his Bible and asked for forgiveness of the assailants. He also asked the hospital medical staff to pray for the assailants and asked God to forgive them multiple times while in the emergency room.
He died Sept. 23 after being in surgery for more than five hours.
“Dale was always helping people he didn’t even know. He loved children and had a contagious smile for anyone he came in contact with,” family members said.
Every year the family collects food and money at Thanksgiving time and makes up hundreds of food bags that are given to families in need. This year the distribution is Saturday at Warren’s Central Fire Station, 111 South St. SE.
The families, identified as being in need by local churches, schools, social service agencies and the Warren Police Department, were given vouchers before the event which they must present when picking up their bag. Only people with vouchers are eligible for the distribution.