PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — For many grieving families this holiday season, there will be at least one empty seat at the dinner table, but one family is turning their tragedy into a time to help others.

For Monisha Bynum, picking out the perfect ingredients means a little more to her this year.

Usually Bynum would be shopping alongside her grandson Qadir Wilkins, but he’ll be missing this Thanksgiving and missing for all the ones to come, as he was shot and killed in March at Seaboard Square apartments near Turnpike Road in Portsmouth.

Despite the tragedy, his grandmother wasn’t going to let her Thanksgiving tradition of feeding those in need pass by. When she was trying to figure out a neighborhood to feed this year, she chose the residents at the very place her grandson lost his life.

“We’re giving back to the community because we love Qadir,” Monisha Bynum said.

While she spreads holiday cheer from door-to-door, being here still opens old wounds.

“I haven’t slept in my own room because I sleep in his bed every single night,” Bynum said. “He was only 14-years-old and he did not deserve for someone to shoot him in his back like that. It’s time to love more and shoot less.”

Nearby residents who still have questions about the shooting are thankful for Qadir Wilkins’ family.

“It was a great feeling, I could tell you,” said resident Tyquisha Artis. “I shed tears. It was a joy for my family. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s about being nice and showing an act of kindness, and keeping his name alive, so I hope they say Qadir gave us this Thanksgiving, and Happy Thanksgiving,” Bynum said.

Qadir Wilkins’ 15th birthday would’ve been Dec. 3. Police are still looking for suspects in this case. If you have any information that can help, call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or use the P3Tips app.