The family of a 9-year-old boy killed in a crash nearly one month ago has continued his mission to help the homeless and veterans during the holidays.
Brock Forsgren and his uncle, 29-year-old Justin Webb, died when their vehicle crossed into the opposite side of Highway 25 in Cross Plains and collided into another vehicle head-on, according to a preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
"It killed me. It's not real it. It doesn't feel real. I'm still waiting for him to jingle the door and try to come in," Kristen Forsgren, his mother, tearfully told NewsChannel 5.
Brock's family described him as funny, energetic, athletic, and full of compassion.
He was known throughout the community for his personality but also his eagerness to serve and help the homeless and veterans.
His parents both served in the military.
Recently, Brock spotted a homeless man on the street and spent his allowance money to feed him dinner.
Brock also gave away his favorite gem to the man, which was one of his most prized possessions since he loved crystals and shiny rocks.
He told the homeless man, "I hope you can sell this for a million dollars."
"He said, 'Here, you're probably not going to get a Christmas present, I wanted to give this to you,'" recalled Kristen.
Per his request, Brock and his mother had planned to give bags of goodies to the homeless on Christmas. Since his death, his family decided to continue his wishes and called the effort "Operation Brock."
Just in nine days, the community stepped up by providing 50 backpacks and more than 1,000 items including candies, snacks, socks, hand-warmers, and ponchos.
Volunteers gathered at the Temple Baptist Church in White House on Sunday to gift wrap the donated items.
"It's something Brock would want. It makes me happy that this is all happening. He would be running around this place ecstatic," added Kristen.
Kristen planned on giving the backpacks to dozens of veterans on Monday through the help of Operation Stand Down.
She has been working to make "Operation Brock" a non-profit and build a website with more information and ways to help.
The crash has still been under investigation.
