Sammy McDaniel's family has shed a lot of different kinds of tears this year.
They were devastated when the bright-eyed, enthusiastic 9-year-old died in a van fire Sunday - a fire that started when McDaniel, his brother and a neighborhood friend were playing with matches and candles inside the vehicle. The family thought the van, destroyed by the blaze that erupted inside, was locked.A trust fund has been established in Sammy's name for the family that wondered whether it could even afford the cost of Sammy's funeral. Fortunately, the family has been showered with acts of kindness, said West Valley Police Lt. Charles Illsley.
In addition to the monetary contributions being made to the Sammy McDaniel Trust Fund at any Bank One branch, Illsley said several people have also come through with unique gifts for the family.
One family donated a burial plot to help the McDaniel family reduce funeral costs. The donors have asked to remain anonymous.
Another man heard of the tragic accident over the radio. When he arrived home, Illsley said he removed the "For Sale" sign that had hung in his car's window and called West Valley police. He told officers he wanted to anonymously donate his car to the family.
Early Thanksgiving morning, Illsley said officers picked up the man's car and delivered it to the family. Sammy's parents and grandparents wept openly at the kindness of the man's gesture and the overwhelming community support, Illsley said.
Conrad Taylor, a square dance instructor from Tooele, said he wants to donate the proceeds from a square dance he will host tonight to Sammy's Trust Fund. The dance will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the dance hall at Murray Park. The cost of admission is $1, but Taylor said his group will also accept contributions on behalf of the McDaniel family.
Murray Park is at 5100 S. State. The dance hall is the last building next to the basketball court at the park.