A babysitter for a Riverview family is doing what she can to help them as they grieve over the loss of one of their own earlier this month in a car crash.

  • Scherer family of Riverview was in 6-car crash Sept. 15
  • Accident took life of 9-year-old Logan
  • Fundraiser will be at Beef O'Brady's in Brandon Sept. 26

Kristen Willig said she started babysitting for the Scherer family about six years ago. Now, she's part of a group coming together around the Scherers as they grieve over the loss of Logan, 9, in a crash in Hernando County on Sept. 15.

"I think it means so much," Willig said. "I know [the Scherers are] so appreciative of it, and it’s really touching to see such a community come together for a family like this."

The rest of the family — Jordan, 37, Brooke, 35, and Mallory, 5 — were all seriously injured in the crash, which involved six cars. The Scherers were recently discharged from a hospital.

Because of the bond she shared with Logan and Mallory, Willig said babysitting for the Scherers felt like spending time with family.

"Growing up with them, they’re like my little siblings that I never had, because I was the baby in my family, so they’re just like my little siblings,” Willig said. “A night babysitting was a night spent with my siblings not babysitting. They’re like family."

From left: Mallory Scherer, Kristen Willig and Logan Scherer. (Courtesy of Kristen Willig)

Wanting to help, Willig organized a fundraiser for the family.

"I just thought this was a great way to bring all of us together for them in love and support for the family," Willig said.

All day Monday, 15 percent of all food orders at the Beef O’ Brady’s on South Kings Avenue in Brandon will go toward a fund for the Scherer family.

"It kind of helps with the feeling of feeling helpless, like I’m helping them in a way that I know that I’m going to be there for them," Willig said.

Neighbor Bill Goodman, whose son, Jake, was best friends with Logan, also showed his support by starting a GoFundMe page for the Scherers. To help the family with a donation, visit gofundme.com/2p3jmuc.

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