PATERSON — Residents of a violence-plagued Paterson neighborhood formed an impromptu rally just hours after a 12-year-old girl was struck by a stray bullet and declared brain-dead.

Genesis Rincon, a student at School 21, was riding a scooter with two friends Saturday night on Rosa Parks Boulevard near Warren Street when she was shot in the head, according to Paterson police. She remains on life support at St. Joseph's Hospital as her family finalizes plans to donate her organs.

"The family is hoping that while their daughter's life was ended so young, their daughter can help save other lives," said Capt. Heriberto Rodriguez.

Community leaders and residents led an impromptu rally at the site of the shooting Sunday afternoon, calling for an end to the violence that has led to a string of homicides in the area over the last year, according to The Record.

Shootings occur almost nightly in the Fourth Ward, residents told The Record. Nearly half of the city's shootings from the first quarter of this year occurred in the Fourth Ward, where violence largely stems from drug and gang activity.

A two-week sweep of the area surrounding Wrigley Park recently nabbed 170 people and netted 20 guns, 2,000 bags of heroin and $25,000 in cash.

“We are killing ourselves,” Rev. Della Fischer said at the rally, according to the report. “When do we stand and say it’s time for a change?”

Paterson police have released few details about the shooting, but believe Rincon was not the intended target.

Police are offering a $2,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the shooter. Residents can provide police with information by calling call police (973) 321-1120, (973) 321-1342 or (973) 523-TIPS and remain anonymous.

Rincon's family also hopes to raise $15,000 to pay for funeral costs. Donations can be made at the "Justice for Genesis" GoFundMe page.

Police are investigating whether the incident was related to the shooting of a 26-year-old Saturday morning in the same area.

Meanwhile, city officials are also considering legislation that would shut down late-night businesses in high crime areas.