Ravenna, Mich. -- Landen Goerbig, 10, paid it forward in a big way. He helped the family of a friend and classmate that's in mourning.
Erika Kubasiak, 10, attended Ravenna Middle School with Goerbig. She lost her life in a crash on February 4th.
"I was sad that I found out that Erika was in a crash," Goerbig said.
"She was a very good friend. When we were checking over work in partners, she would come to me and ask if she could check my work with her," Goerbig recalled.
Police said Kubasiak was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her sister Emily. Authorities said the 18-year-old lost control on icy roads and crashed into an oncoming vehicle after trying to pass another vehicle.
Their 16-year-old brother Peter also died from his injuries. Struggling to process the grief himself, Goerbig and his mom decided to take action as the Kubasiak family copes with the loss of two young lives.
"I did a bake sale and a pop can drive. I did it because Erika was one of my best friends, and I wanted to help her family," he explained.
The community came through to assist in Goerbig's goal to pay it forward.
"$1,447," he said the total.
The fundraiser ended this past weekend. Nearly $1,500 was raised by a 10-year-old with a heart of gold.
"I felt good about it because people around the community were supporting the Kubasiaks' family."
Emily Kubasiak is still recovering from her injuries. Goerbig and his mom said the money is for the Kubasiak family to use it as they see fit. There is also a Gofundme page set up for the family that's raised $25,000. If you would like to donate, the link can be found here.
