Love, Abby HD

Love, Abby: "Abby Liefer’s spirit continues to inspire acts of love and generosity, and no name could be more fitting for a group to fulfill the needs of the community through Liefer’s name than “Love, Abby.” The group, founded by Liefer’s parents Terri and Daniel of Red Bud, does not have a specific cause or charity—only to help out where they see a need. “It’s really hard to narrow it down,” Terri Liefer said. “I don’t ever want to have to turn anyone away,” said Brandy Muertz, Abby’s sister. “Love, Abby” was established only a couple of months ago and has already conducted collections of hygienical products for the homeless and donations of blankets to a children’s hospital. Muertz said she had no idea there were homeless people throughout Randolph County. “I really hope people can open their hearts and see that there’s a need in this area,” Muertz said. The idea for “Love, Abby” started with the Random Acts of Kindness that took place one month after Liefer and Hannah Porter were killed in a two-car accident January 10, 2015. Liefer’s sisters started a Facebook group about the acts of kindness shortly after their sister’s death as a way to cope with the loss. The group quickly grew to more than 10,000 people across the country and the rest of the world, even as far reaching as Japan and the Phillipines. Liefer’s parents saw this and wanted to do more. “I got to looking and there’s really nothing in this area that helps people like this,” Terri said. Liefer’s father, Daniel, came up with the name. Muertz, who is the secretary and treasurer of the group, said she thinks this is a great way to continue Liefer’s legacy. “She didn’t get to grow up,” Muertz said. “We help kids for her because I think she would have if she were here.” Muertz reflected to one Christmas where Liefer took money she had planned to spend on family members and instead bought presents for kids in need. Liefer has an imprint on every facet of the organization, right down to the logo. “She used to sign her cards that way, with the heart,” Terri said. “Someone copied her signature, and we used it for the logo.” Terri said they printed the logo on blankets they hand out, so maybe someone would see it and think of Liefer when they used their blanket. “I just wish she was here to be a part of it,” Terri said. “It’s hard, but people won’t forget her this way.” " Description taken from the County Journal, Percy IL