HARLEM — The family Joel Morales, a 12-year-old boy who hung himself in his apartment after he was tormented by bullies at his school, will hopefully soon be able to lay their beloved child to rest.
A memorial service has been scheduled at First Avenue Funeral Services on Thursday, June 7, the boy's sister told DNAinfo.com New York, on Saturday.
Many local residents have inquired about donating to help pay for the cost of the $6,200 burial and funeral, after the family revealed that they didn't have enough money to proceed with making arrangements.
"We are so grateful for everybody's support," said the boys' sister, Richeliss Salazar, 23, speaking about how the family is able to move forward with the service. "Thank you for your concern."
City Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito sent an e-mail out to her constituents on Sunday afternoon, providing information on where people could send donations to help cover the funeral and burial expenses.
"We have received many questions about donating to the family of Joel Morales to cover funeral and burial costs," wrote the councilwoman in the e-mail.
She said donations can be made directly to First Avenue Funeral Services on 1st Avenue and East 115th Street, either in person or by mail.
The mailing address for the funeral home is: First Avenue Funeral Services, 2242 First Avenue, New York, NY 10029. Or donors may contact the funeral home at 212-534-1800.
Mark-Viverito said last week that she was also speaking with local school officials, the area community education council, and the El Barrio/East Harlem Youth Violence Task Force about ways to educate families about bullying, in hopes of preventing another child from suffering like Joel Morales.
