STATESVILLE, N.C. -- A memorial of flowers and pictures is set up at Donna McDaniel's home after her daughter, Jennifer Vincek, left three little girls without a mother nearly two weeks ago.

Vincek, who was working the register, and a customer were shot and killed during a convenience store robbery at a Shell station in Statesville. This Christmas was a very difficult one for family members, especially after hearing some of the words of Vincek's oldest daughter.

"Arial said she hopes her mother's looking down from heaven and seeing what a nice Christmas they're having," McDaneil said.

And while the victim's family grieves, another family who doesn't know anyone connected to the crime is using Christmas cheer and Christmas giving to make a difference in their lives.

Renee Griffith from Cornerstone Church in Statesville is putting together a barbecue fund-drive to raise money for Vincek's children.

“Three little girls left without a mother this time of year -- it just broke my heart. We just wanted to act,” she said.

She hopes to raise $20,000 for Vincek's children.

Just hearing about the support spurs McCaniel's tears of thankfulness.

"It's just overwhelming, but it makes me feel really, really good. I'm blessed and happy that they're doing this for my grandbabies," she said.

A back room at the convenience store where Vincek died is also filling up with donations.

The barbecue to raise money to help Vincek’s young girls is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 5 in the sanctuary of Cornerstone Church, which is at 650 Glover Street in Statesville. For more information or to volunteer to help, call Griffith at (704) 657-9771.

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