Friends, Family Continue Mission Started By Teen Killed In Accident

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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Friends and family collected a bit of hope Saturday to honor an Arlington High School graduate who was killed in July 2016.

Loved ones gathered to continue a mission started by Rebecca Read, who died in a car accident on the way to Galveston, known as the Blue Box Project.

Rebecca came up with the idea to collect feminine products for women in need across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

"I feel like we're doing what she loved best," said friend Hannah Flenniken. "She loved making a difference in the lives of others."

The idea was part of her girl scout project which earned her the highest honor - a gold award.

Many of Rebecca's friends and family held a drive Saturday to continue her work and also to celebrate what would have been her 19th birthday.

"This project is a testament to who she was. She was kind, and devoted, and always excited about life," said Flenniken. "She wanted to help women in this area, and that's what we're doing. We're carrying on her dream."

Two pickup trucks were stuffed with donation items and then dropped off at Mission Arlington and Salvation Army.

The mission continues Monday, and a third truck will drop off the rest of the donated items at Safe Haven in Arlington.

There are plans to make this an annual project on Rebecca's birthday weekend.

"It doesn't hurt any less than it did on July 18. But now that we have this to put our energy into... this project that's in her honor... it's better," said Flenniken. "I feel like we're healing."

An Amazon Wishlist was created for those that would like to help the Blue Box Project.

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