Residents Start Toy Drive for Slain Woman’s Children

Neighbors of slain Ventura resident Vicki Shade have organized a toy drive they hope will provide Shade’s three young daughters an abundance of Christmas presents.

Shade, 37, was stabbed to death a week ago in her Wolverine Street home by her estranged boyfriend, Roland Sheehan Jr., who was later shot to death by police.

Shade’s older daughters, Wendi and Kaci Custer, 13 and 11, live with their father in Ventura. A 17-month-old girl, Michelle, she had with Sheehan now lives with Shade’s sister in Atlanta.

“I just want them to feel this outpouring of love,” said Lilly Meehan, who with neighbor Jill Cox has organized the drive. Neither knew Shade, but, like many city residents, both were saddened by her death.

Meehan, her two daughters and Cox have been going door to door to solicit donations of new clothes and shoes, money and toys. The minister at a church Meehan attends, John McCranie, has also joined the effort.

“They lost the most important person in their life because of this horrible tragedy. We just want to convey to them that the world is not all hostile and violent and that there is good in it,” McCranie said.

Unwrapped gifts and money donations can be dropped off at the Santa Paula Church of Christ at 276 W. Santa Paula Road, or by calling Meehan at 647-6633 or Cox at 647-6010.

Also, the Ventura County Church of Religious Science is continuing to accept donations for a trust fund set up for the three girls, the Rev. Paula Swavley said. Shade attended the church with her daughters.

Checks can be made payable to VCCORS, or cash can be dropped off at the church at 101 Laurel St. or mailed to the church. More than $1,000 has been raised so far.