Group brightens holidays for homicide victims' families

LA PUENTE -- Luz Ruiz said she hasn't celebrated Christmas since her son, Robert Ruiz, was fatally shot in 2005 at a West Covina house party.

This year she will, however, with support from a local philanthropic group and other family members of homicide victims.

She, along with three other families affected by homicide, gathered Tuesday at Luz Ruiz's home where members of the Man-e Moreno Foundation came with offerings of Christmas carols and toys for the children and siblings of homicide victims.

The Man-e Moreno Foundation was started by the family of Manuel Moreno, who was shot and killed in November of 2007. Manuel Moreno's brother, Robert Moreno, serves as president of the foundation.

Also gathered Tuesday were family members of homicide victims Eileen Ponce-Orta, Orlando Primmer and Sammantha Salas.

The children of the victims ripped open their gifts with glee, as the adults spoke to each other about healing and making a positive impact on society.

While many family members said it's never easy dealing with the loss of a loved one, they agreed having a network of support makes a world of difference.