Drivers passing Riverbank's Sno-white Drive In last Saturday may have noticed several adults waving rags and makeshift signs asking them to come in for a car wash.
The reason for the impromptu event was saddening.
The firstborn child of a Modesto couple who would come often to the car shows at the drive-in had died two days after birth and the relatives and friends were seeking donations to pay for the child's funeral.
Born on July 4, Alexis Arnold died on July 6 while still in hospital apparently due to an excess of mucus blocking her throat, said Doreen Pennington, a friend of the parents Andrew and Elizabeth Arnold and pastor of the Keys To Hope church and outreach center in Modesto.
The Arnolds wanted a full funeral service and burial for their child. But the cost for that can run as high as $4,000. Lakewood Funeral Home in Hughson had offered to donate a headstone, Pennington added
Drive In owner Daryl Daniel heard of the tragedy and volunteered the use of his parking lot and some equipment for a car wash as he has done many times before.
Friends of the Arnolds had held a car wash in Modesto the day before - they raised about $160 - and on Saturday were doing the same at Sno-white drive ins in Riverbank and Oakdale.
Those wishing to donate can contact Pennington at 604-3093.
The reason for the impromptu event was saddening.
The firstborn child of a Modesto couple who would come often to the car shows at the drive-in had died two days after birth and the relatives and friends were seeking donations to pay for the child's funeral.
Born on July 4, Alexis Arnold died on July 6 while still in hospital apparently due to an excess of mucus blocking her throat, said Doreen Pennington, a friend of the parents Andrew and Elizabeth Arnold and pastor of the Keys To Hope church and outreach center in Modesto.
The Arnolds wanted a full funeral service and burial for their child. But the cost for that can run as high as $4,000. Lakewood Funeral Home in Hughson had offered to donate a headstone, Pennington added
Drive In owner Daryl Daniel heard of the tragedy and volunteered the use of his parking lot and some equipment for a car wash as he has done many times before.
Friends of the Arnolds had held a car wash in Modesto the day before - they raised about $160 - and on Saturday were doing the same at Sno-white drive ins in Riverbank and Oakdale.
Those wishing to donate can contact Pennington at 604-3093.
