Outpouring Of Support For Victims Of Vandalism

ALAMEDA, CA — Sunday morning, black residents of Alameda woke up to find racist messages spray-painted on their vehicles.

"Almost immediately, neighbors, passersby, and others who read about the incident on social media, showed up to offer support, warm wishes, and elbow grease, " Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft said in an online statement.

After cleaning up the graffiti and writing chalk messages of hope of the sidewalks, one neighbor took things even further. Justine Francis started a Go Fund Me account to provide financial assistance to the victim.

By Wednesday afternoon, the fund had gathered more than $16,000 in donations, many of them for $10 or $20.

Kim Beban told the victim "you to know you are a valuable member of this community."

Nate Martin said, "We stand by our Alameda neighbors! Hate has no place here."

While donating $25, C L Jiang said, "Those idiots don't represent your neighbors. WE do."

More than 400 people have contributed to the fund. Here is a link to contribute.

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