Family honors murdered 9-year-old Milwaukee girl on her birthday by giving gifts to kids

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The family of a 9-year old Milwaukee girl murdered almost 40 years ago is using her birthday to give back to the community.

Jeannetta Lacole Robinson (Little Jeannetta) would have been about 50 years old Monday, Dec. 27. She was tragically murdered along with her mother by her mother's ex-boyfriend in April of 1984.

"We're looking to make this a joyful day for all," Jeannetta's uncle, Charles L Walton, said.

The gym inside the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center was packed with gifts Monday. Kids were able to pick out whatever they wanted.

"We came together with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha. They provided school supplies and bookbags," Walton said. "She was amazing, she was loving, caring and most of all giving."

Walton said giving back was one of her favorite things to do, especially as her birthday was two days after Christmas.

"She was found on her sixth birthday giving away her toys to children at her birthday party. When we asked why, she said that they didn't get anything for Christmas, so she gave them her toys," he said. "This of course touched our hearts and after she was murdered in 1984, we began in 1986 the toys for the children."

Along with gifts, kids also got a book based on Little Jeannetta and her kindness.

"We hope to build this up and make it larger, bigger each year," Walton said.

Interim Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also stopped by to honor the family.

"Take a moment to celebrate this very important day as we work to make sure the youngest kids in our community have an opportunity, and celebrate and have a reason for hope in honor of Little Jeanetta," Johnson said.

The family also gave gifts to every child at three Milwaukee public schools this year.