The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge is seeking Help for a 13-year-old gunshot victim
On March 17, Keoshia Ford was sitting on the hood of a car on Bennett Avenue in the Highland Park area when she was shot in the back of her head during a shootout between gang members.
Craig Joel of FOP said, "To call this crime horrific is an understatement, and while there is a suspect in custody, Keoshia (known as “KeKe” to her friends) languishes in a hospital bed in her family’s small apartment, a tracheal tube in her throat and the bullet still lodged in her head because it’s too dangerous to remove it.
"Keoshia requires 24-hour medical care which is overseen by two nurses, all day every day, and while many of the bills for this care have been picked up there is never enough money and certainly never enough supplies to help this once-active child. She is in desperate need of both.
"Joe Jackson and Katherine Pollard of the Olivet Baptist Church are graciously coordinating efforts to get specific supplies and donations directly to her, and the members of the local FOP Lodge is very eager to assist them.
"Keoshia only has the support of her mother who works at a local hotel and her grandparents…but Chattanooga’s businesses and citizens shine when people are in need, particularly for a little girl senselessly caught up in a gang shooting.
"Please look over the items they’re requesting below, and if it is more convenient, please give what you can by check to “Olivet Baptist Church”, with Keoshia Ford’s name on the memo line."
Items needed:
- Diapers (Adult diapers, size Small)-Toilet Paper
-Hand soap
-Paper towels
-Bath towels
-Trash bags
-Peroxide
-Toothettes (oral swabs)
-Bottled water
-Laundry detergent
-Saline bullets
-Q-tips
-Wipes
-4 x 4 Split gauze
-Hand sanitizer
- A & D Ointment
-Baby shampoo
-Alcohol Swabs
You can drop off checks and supplies at the front counter of the Police Services Center at 3410 Amnicola Highway Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (attached to the building that says “911 Communications” in large red letters), or directly at Olivet Baptist Church, 740 East M.L. King Blvd., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Just tell someone at the church or the Police Services Center that the items are for Keoshia Ford.
Again, if people want to donate money that will buy these items, checks should be made out to: “Olivet Baptist Church” with Keoshia Ford’s name on the memo line. Checks can be left at the Police Services Center, or mailed to:
Joe Jackson, Administrator
Olivet Baptist Church740 E. M.L. King Blvd.
Chattanooga TN 37403-2903
(If monetary donations are dropped off at the church, people should ask for either Joe Jackson or Katherine Pollard.)
Your generosity is legendary, Chattanooga. Let’s keep it that way!