Golden Family Thanks Community For Support Following Home Invasion, Stabbing
By Andrea Flores
GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - There's an outpouring of support for a middle school teacher stabbed by home invaders in Golden.
Police say three intruders hit the wrong house, putting the whole family in danger.
Jesse Swift, a teacher at Bell Middle School, is still in the intensive care unit, but is in stable condition, according to his family. He suffered serious stab wounds while fighting off the suspects Monday night.
Erik and Janet Gruenwald don't know Jesse and Jessica Swift, but heard about their home invasion and knew they needed to help. They found a Meal Train site that allows strangers to sign up and deliver meals to the family through social media and knew it would be the perfect way to give back.
"We looked into that he lives pretty close by and that he's a teacher, which makes him a hero right here, we just wanted to give back," Erik Gruenwald said. "My wife and I are expecting a child right now; a couple of good friends got together and cooked us some meals and we know how much that means. I think it's one of the smallest things that we could do to help out this family."
The Gruenwalds aren't the only ones doing their part to give back. Bell Middle School is partnering with Jeffco Schools Foundation to accept donations on behalf of the family.
Friends and family members of the Swifts have also created three separate GoFundMe pages to address the family's growing needs. In just one day, those GoFundMe pages have collectively raised more than $50,000.
The Swift Family released a statement thanking the community Wednesday:
"We are overwhelmed by the care and concern we have received from the Jeffco Schools community, our Golden neighbors, and everyone else who is sending positive thoughts our way. We love being a part of the Golden community. The outpouring of love and support is amazing. Our many thanks to all of you."
The Meal Train organizer told CBS4 that meals will continue to be provided for the family through next weekend. Once Jesse Swift is released from the hospital, the organizer says they'll reassess the family's needs.
Additional Resources
Jesse Swift Medical/Housing Fund - GoFundMe | Swift Family Fund I | Swift Family Fund II | Meal Train For Swift Family
