RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Families who lost a loved one to homicide this year are receiving baskets full of holiday cheer. Citizens Against Crime group members joined at the Richmond Police Headquarters on Monday, Nov. 25, to pick up baskets full of Thanksgiving treats. They then distributed them all across the City of Richmond to grieving families -- and families in need -- to help make the holidays feel a little less stressful and lonely to those who need it most. "I think about you often. I don't think we've ever met," Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards told a father in attendance at the event. Through this message, the police chief summarized a prominent part of what the group's effort was all about -- strangers helping strangers. Sharmar Hill lost his three-year-old son -- Sharmar Hill Jr. -- to gun violence almost five years ago. "It's a part of leaving my son's name alive," Hill said as he shared why he had chosen to be a part of Monday's holiday giveaway. Hill shared the heartbreak of that first major holiday without a loved one and how it has motivated him to make sure other families who lost someone will have one less thing to worry about on such an emotional day. Citizens Against Crime's Albertina R. Walker shared what she hoped to see happen from Monday's event. "We will bring a bit of sunshine and joy to these family members who will now have an empty seat at the dinner table this Thanksgiving," she said. The baskets hold Thanksgiving staples like green beans, rolls and even pumpkin pie — everything a family needs for their holiday dinner table. While events like this are about caring for those grieving, Hill explained that it's part of an even bigger mission to end gun violence in the community and to change the way people see and talk about the topic. He added that residents need to come together to create real change. "It can be a change," Hill said. "I feel like ... you can change your mind, you save a life, you know? Just to be a part of the positive impact in the community ... [after all], memories are the only thing that we can take with us." Citizens Against Crime honored Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney at the event. The mayor thanked Walker and her team for everything they do. He also called Richmond the "capital of compassion" and exclaimed how Monday's giveaway is just one more way to show members of the community that they're not alone.