Pictured, from left, are Ed Roberts and Ashley Vervaet.

KOSCIUSKO — Local residents Ashley Vervaet and Hilary Kiser came up with the idea to start a roadsign fundraiser to raise awareness and show support to the family after the recent death of three Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation students.

Six-year-old twin boys Xzavier Ingle and Mason Ingle and their nine-year-old sister, Alivia Stahl, were killed while walking to their bus yesterday, Oct. 30. Truck driver Alyssa L. Shepherd, 24, Rochester, failed to stop and struck four children. The fourth child, Maverik Lowe, 11, suffered serious injuries.

The signs are being made by Roberts Signs in Warsaw and say, “SLOW KID ZONE.” Below that, the sign reads, “In loving memory of Xzavier, Mason and Alivia 10.30.18.” The signs come with metal posts for you to place in your yard near the roadway. Each sign costs $15, $10 of which is being donated back to the family of Xzavier, Mason and Alivia.

“We want that family to know that they have so much support and love from our community and to remind drivers to slow down,” said Vervaet. ” I have two children of the same ages as the ones sent to Heaven and this hit me and everyone like a ton of bricks. I live on a busy country road where people think it’s a free speed zone. My kids get on and off the bus here and it makes me sick to think that something like this could happen.”

You can order a sign by calling Roberts Signs at (574) 267-2068. The first batch is expected to be in by the end of the week. When the signs are in, you will receive a phone call and be able to pick them up at Roberts Signs, 1533 N. Detroit St., Warsaw. Right now there is no deadline for when signs need to be ordered by. More information can be found online in the Facebook Group, The Tippecanoe Valley Angels.

“It’s a good way to help that family out as their expenses are coming up,” said Ed Roberts, co-owner of Roberts Signs.

You can also show your support by attending the candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Mentone Youth League, 107 W. Jefferson St.

“My kids got off the bus last night and I hugged them and we just cried and cried and cried,” said Vervaet. “Maybe with these, people will be more aware, slow down. Whatever I can do to try to help our little ones.”