One year after a crash killed her family, a Meriden mother organized a memorial donation drive in their honor.
Hundreds gathered at City Park in Meriden Monday night to remember Darin Robinson Jr., Sanaa Reynolds, 9, and Dacari Robinson, 3, and honor their legacy by giving back.
“I want people to take my sorrow and my pain and realize time is of the essence,” Baughnita Leary said. “We need to teach our children that giving back is what keeps our world going.”
Baughnita Leary was driving on Interstate 95 in Waterford last year when she was hit from behind by a tractor-trailer. The crash left her in the hospital and ultimately killed her boyfriend, Darin Robinson Jr., and her children, Sanaa Reynolds, 9, and Dacari Robinson, 3.
Candles were lit and poems were read at the memorial service on Monday night.
Everyone who attended was encouraged to bring canned goods or clothing that will be distributed to those in need in Meriden.
Leary said this is just one way her family’s giving spirit will live on for years to come.
“I know my kids are smiling,” Leary said. “And my boyfriend is like 'Babe, you always go above and beyond for other people.'”
Leary said she plans to hold the event every year.
She has filed a wrongful death suit against the driver of the tractor-trailer and Gold Medal Bakery, the company he was driving for at the time of the crash .