CALUMET PARK, Ill. (WLS) — Corshawnda Hatter is struggling to heal from a recent assault, yet a touch of holiday cheer arrived on Tuesday, offering a glimmer of hope. Thanks to Ceasefire, she received a $650 check and festive presents for her children, bringing a bit of joy to this season.
“This is the only family I have. It really brightens things up. I’m so grateful to know that there’s a community supporting me,” Hatter expressed.
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Tuesday’s surprise was a welcomed relief during these challenging times. Hatter and her children, Devonlee, 10, and Devonye, 6, were delighted with a variety of gifts, including an Xbox, dolls, and clothing, all given at the Ceasefire center in Calumet Park.
This kindness followed a distressing incident where the family was assaulted by seven students from Bright Elementary School on their way home.
The attack, captured on video and circulated widely on Facebook, shows the frightening moment unfold.
The footage reveals Hatter being struck and eventually collapsing, where the aggression only intensified.
ABC7 froze the video because it becomes too graphic after that point. We also blurred the faces of the people involved because they are minors.
Their story made national headlines and caught the attention of local rapper Lil Zay Osama, who donated all of the toys. Hatter says it has put them one step closer to healing as she tries to deal with the permanent damage left behind after getting punched in her stomach.
“I can no longer have children,” Hatter said. “That made me tear up a little bit, knowing that it’s more people out here that care for us, and there’s people down here that will help you.”
“Nobody, kids, no parents, nobody at all. That ain’t parents don’t deserve that type of treatment at all. So, you know, I just wanted to reach out and let them know, like the city behind them, like we with that stop the violence movement and like everything that happened to them wasn’t right,” Lil Zay said.
Lil Zay plans to continue his support of the family even past Tuesday. Meanwhile, as of last Friday, seven of the kids involved in the attack were charged, released from custody, and referred to counseling. Hatter says the kids should have more time in juvenile detention.
