YOUNGSTOWN - As a family continues to heal after the tragic shooting death of 25 year old Ashley Lockhart, they're now coming together to raise funds for domestic violence victims.

21 News caught up with the local family who's turning their personal tragedy into more domestic violence awareness.

This upcoming Saturday, June 18, you'll find a lemonade stand on Havenwood Drive in Youngstown. It's not your ordinary lemonade stand, instead of collecting money, household donations will go to the Sojourner House Domestic Violence Shelter.

"She had a motto," said Sherry O'Dea, Lockhart's cousin, "Always have faith, never give up,' and that is what this lemonade stand is all about."

The family of Ashley Lockhart is behind this idea. The 25 year old was tragically murdered last October after being shot in her Austintown apartment. Her ex-boyfriend and father of her daughter, Steve William Green III is currently facing charges of aggravated murder and starts trial later this year.

"We are accepting anything you would need for daily living," O'Dea explained. Items include clothing, kitchen items, toiletries, etc. 

"We are collecting items like diapers, wipes, onsies, hair brushes, toothpaste, feminine products, plates and silverware," said explained Betty Fleps, Lockhart's aunt. "Anything that would help a mom and child get back on their feet."

The family will donate what they collect from the lemonade stand to Sojourner House Domestic Violence Shelter on June 28, what would have been Lockhart's 26th birthday. 

"I knew we wanted to do something for her birthday," Fleps explained. "I thought, what better way than to support a domestic violence shelter in her memory."

As Lockhart's family continues to pick up the pieces after losing her, they're now using their time to help other domestic violence victims with this idea. The word continues to get out about the lemonade stand, local businesses like Braydich Dental and Youth Intensive Services already donated items.

"We already have this huge start to this fundraiser," Fleps said. "I think it's going to end up being a a lot bigger than what we planned on."

Lockhart's 6 year old daughter will also be assisting with the lemonade stand along with her cousins. 

"We just want our cousin to be remembered in a positive way," O'Dea said. "We want to spread awareness about domestic violence and that there is help here in this community for other people who are suffering."

"The Sojourner House Domestic Violence Shelter representatives think it is wonderful how we are helping," Fleps said. "They are very happy with our idea."

O'Dea said Lockhart is looking down on the family, appreciating the work they're doing to help other domestic violence victims. 

"She will always shine her light on us," O'Dea said.

The lemonade stand runs from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. this Saturday, June 18 at O'Dea's home on Havenwood Drive. They also hope to make this an annual event every June to honor Lockhart's legacy.