CHICAGO () — Days after Belesda Toledo was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Little Village, the neighborhood she served for years rallied Sunday around the family she left behind.
Community members gathered near 25th Street and Hamlin Avenue for a fundraiser organized by the Little Village Community Council. Organizers said the event brought in thousands of dollars for Toledo’s four children, with neighbors contributing food, entertainment and supplies.
Toledo, 47, was walking in a crosswalk near 25th Street and Hamlin Avenue on July 29 when she was hit, according to Chicago police. Investigators said a white truck struck her and left the scene. She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Friends and neighbors remembered Toledo as a tireless volunteer and a well-known presence across Little Village.
“Belesda was a great person. Everybody knew her in the community. She participated in her church. She helped out in our organization and other organizations. And she was like a little robot, you know? She just never stopped,” said Baltazar Enriquez, president of the Little Village Community Council.
Toledo was a council member and volunteered with several local organizations. Enriquez said she could often be found helping at events, clothing distributions and other efforts aimed at supporting families in need.
Enriquez said the fundraiser was first planned to help cover funeral expenses. After those costs were paid by the Helen & Joe Community Organization, where Toledo also gave her time, organizers redirected Sunday’s donations to support her children.
“The oldest daughter is going to become mom and some of them are not prepared. So, but we as a community, we’re going to come together and support them and give them all the support that they need, because this is this is what community is all about,” Enriquez said.
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Toledo’s brother, Martin Toledo, told ABC7 in Spanish that he was grateful for the community’s support. He said the turnout reflected the impact his sister had on neighbors and friends and described her as a good person who was well-liked by many.
Community activist Raul Montes said Toledo’s death has been especially difficult because of the work she did to help others.
“It’s sad when somebody is trying to help the neighborhood and something happens, a tragedy, coming back from the grocery store,” Montes said.
Organizers said the fundraiser has already brought in thousands of dollars for Toledo’s children. Enriquez said the community response reflects the kind of person Toledo was.
“This is why the people turned out, because everybody that knew her and saw her smile and knew that she was a happy person. And we want to keep that memory alive of her smile and the way she was with the community,” he said.
Chicago police continue investigating the hit-and-run.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the indictment or arrest of the person or people responsible. The Chinese Crisis Responder Organization is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
The Little Village Community Council is continuing to accept donations for Toledo’s children.
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