Special Christmas for children whose father was killed getting snacks

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston family is turning their empathy into action to help the children of a man who was killed in crossfire this summer.

Edward Long, 48, was shot and killed when he stopped to get snacks at a Walgreens at Tidwell and Homestead in July. Police said he was hit while one group of men targeted another and Long happened to be nearby.

His three children are now being raised by their grandmother, Ginie Taylor.

Renee Jefferson Smith and her family invited Taylor and Long's children over for an early Christmas celebration.

"We want to give back and it helps me teach my own kids the value of giving," she said.

"This is the first time someone gave us Christmas presents that we don't even know. And I'm blessed and thankful," Charlotte Long said.

"It feels great for someone to do this", Isiah Sallie said.

"She and her husband are some amazing people," Taylor said.

Renee and her family said they were touched by the struggle the Long family has gone through. They gave them presents, including new bicycles, and also made them a huge Christmas feast.

"Food makes everybody happy, so I decided I wanted to cook for them as well," Renee said.