Community gathering will remember Andres

Lenihan Intermediate School officials have organized a community gathering to remember Andres Favela, the 10-year-old who drowned in the Iowa River Monday.

Ralph Bryant, principal at Lenihan, said Area Education Agency 267 and school staff from Lenihan and Rogers Elementary Schools will be on hand 5 to 8 p.m. at Faith Assembly of God, 504 N. Second St., to provide needed support.

"When there is a student or staff death, we want to respond appropriately," Bryant said.

Article Photos

Favela

He said crisis teams will be available to speak with people individually and in groups.

Favela disappeared into the Iowa River Monday while playing with friends around the bridge near Third Street. Police searched into the night Monday before finally recovering Favela's body Tuesday morning with the help of a Story County dive team.

Favela's aunt and grandmother have set up an account to assist with the funeral expenses.

Checks to aid the boy's family should be made out to "the family of Andres Favela-Lopez" and mailed to Home Federal Savings Bank, 303 W. Main St.

Favela's aunt, Kimi Banderas, said his mother, Lori Pantoja, is a single mother with two other children, and she is unable to work.

Her family doesn't want her to suffer financially because of the funeral costs.

Bryant said officials chose the church because it is close to the family's home, and the church staff have a relationship with the people in the neighborhood where Favela lived.

Pastor Duane Moraine at Faith Assembly of God said Favela lived right across the street, and church workers would often become involved in the children's activities because of their proximity.

Anyone wanting to offer condolences may do so by contacting Mitchell Family Funeral Home at www.mitchellfh.com or 641-844-1234. Funeral services are pending