Following a fatal accident on Feb. 17 that took the lives of Merry Van Der Hart and her daughter, Esther, and unborn son, Timothy, the Herman and Washington County community have joined together to assist the family.
The crash occurred Feb. 17 in the 1700 block of County Road 15. A vehicle was located off the roadway in a creek bed, with four people inside.
Gabe and Merry Van Der Hart's two sons, John and Daniel, survived the crash, though were sent to the hospital with various injuries.
A GoFundMe was started by Priscilla Frazier, Merry's sister-in-law and Gabe's sister.
According to an update on Feb. 22, John, 4, was released from the hospital following surgery from a broken leg.
Daniel, 2, will remain hospitalized for two to three more weeks, after a surgery to repair bone breaks in both legs, arm and collarbone. He may need an additional surgery for other injuries sustained.
Since Feb. 20, when the fundraiser was created, the family's $30,000 has surpassed $33,000 as of Feb. 24.
In an interview with the Enterprise, Frazier said she and her family were "touched" by the outpour of support.
"The communities of Blair, Herman, Elkhorn and many more have been incredibly supportive and sympathetic since Friday's unexpected tragedy," she said. "Merry was a stay-at-home mother, very devoted to her family. The changes brought about as a result of the accident have been and will be enormous, and the desire is that Gabe have time and financial freedom to work through all that is ahead of him. The GoFundMe is just one option made available to those who want to give financially.
"The generosity being shown there is astounding. We know there are other individuals and locations that have and are contributing financially, and it is so appreciated. The hands-on support, doing whatever needs done, has been amazing. Our sincerest thanks to everyone. Finally, most important are the countless prayers being sent up from loving hearts that hurt and care along with us."
Additionally, the Herman Community Club is also holding a local fund drive for the Van Der Hart family.
"With the devastation of the situation, we knew we needed to help somehow," said Tiffany McAndrew, president of the Herman Community Club. "I know it's not going to bring the family back, but I hope it'll take the stress off the family."
Funds can be mailed to Herman Community Club, P.O. Box 125, Herman, Neb., 68029. Checks should be made payable to Herman Community Club with a note of Van Der Hart in the memo.
There are also donation jars at the Petersen Bar and Jiffy Shop. They were also available during the Herman fish fry on Friday.
Merry, Esther and Timothy's service will be held Feb. 25 at Anbe Events in Herman.
Merry's personal relationship with God was the most important part of her life, and she had complete confidence that when her life was over, she would be in heaven," Frazier said. "For Merry and Esther and little unborn Timothy, the best has just begun."
