Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama is hosting a Christmas ornament event for families of violent crime victims.
The families will place their homemade ornaments on the tree and tell stories of their loved ones. The event will be on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 2121 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard N at the Crime Stoppers office.
This is the third year Crime Stoppers has had a crime victim tree.
Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama executive director Bob Copus told 1819 News the event is important for those dealing with loss.
“It will be for them to share their emotions and hold hands and when they say, ‘I’m hurting,’ someone else will be there to say, ‘I know. I am with you,” he said.
Copus said it is sad to see the pain caused by violence and it's time for something to change.
“We know that nobody wants to live on a crime-ridden street, except the criminal,” said Copus. “I know there are a lot of different ways you can handle that but it has to change.”
Copus said a big issue is that community members are hesitant to call 911 when they hear shots fired. In fact, he said, sometimes law enforcement is only alerted to shootings when the ShotSpotter technology alerts them. That’s why he said anonymous tips Crime Stoppers offers are so important.
Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama has awarded $1.7 million in rewards since it was created. The number is 205-254-7777.
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