A 35-year-old homeless Arizona mother who was arrested last week on felony child abuse charges after leaving her young children in a hot car while she went to a job interview, is receiving an outpouring of social media and financial support.
Shanesha Taylor was arrested Thursday in Scottsdale, Ariz., after police said she left the children, ages 2 and 6 months, alone in the car with the engine off and the windows cracked, the Huffington Post reports. The car was reportedly left parked in the sun and all the doors were closed.
Taylor’s arrest touched off a social media firestorm of controversy, with proponents arguing that the single mom made a mistake in an effort to make ends meet. But police called the incident abuse.
Amanda Bishop, 24, however, was so moved by Taylor’s story that she created a fundraiser Friday at YouCaring. The effort had raised $63,594 as of Monday morning at 9:30 a.m., far surpassing the $9,000 goal.
“Thank you all so much for your donations and help,” Bishop writes. “I too am struggling to keep my head above water and can relate to all your stories and offers. This is an experience I will truely (sic) cherish for the rest of my life. I have never been a part of such an amazing community and even international outreach. It's something I stand back in awe of everyday.”
All funds are deposited into an account for the family. Part of it has been used for her bail, although she is being held until March 31, Bishop writes. “All other money will be used to help Shanesha’s situation and legal pursuits.”
Read more at the Huffington Post.