TWO RIVERS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A holiday toy drive in honor of the late Elijah Vue is making a big difference for children in need in Two Rivers.
Community members partnered with the Two Rivers Police Department to organize the “Operation Elijah Toy Drive” as a way to remember Vue.
The three-year-old boy’s remains were discovered in September, more than seven months after he went missing. Vue’s mother, Katrina Baur, and her boyfriend, Jesse Vang, are both facing charges related to the child’s death.
TRPD Captain Andrew Raatz said the toy drive, which began last week, is already off to a great start, with donations filling the conference room where the toys are being stored.
“We’re moving stuff out of that room to make room for toys, there’s so many things in there,” he said.
Raatz said the outpouring of support so far has been heartwarming, and even a little shocking.
“We are certainly overwhelmed by the amount of support we’ve gotten. I mean, it’s been amazing. There’s toys of all different sizes, all different ages. It’s awesome to see all the support for Elijah in the community. It’s going to go on to make a lot of boys and girls this year super happy in our community,” Raatz said.
Monetary donations have also been received for TRPD’s Shop with a Cop program, which will help the department provide more toys and resources to families in need this holiday season.
“It’s not just here in our local communities. It’s throughout Northeast Wisconsin, throughout Wisconsin and even the country,” Raatz said. “We’ve been reached out to by many people in other states, so it’s from all over. It’s a neat thing to see.”
Raatz believes this toy drive is just the latest example of how Vue’s heartbreaking death has brought out the best in the Two Rivers community.
“It’s obviously a tragic event with Elijah. Our hearts just break about the situation. But to see this happening is knowing that something really positive was able to happen, and that helps heal, I think,” Raatz said.
The Operation Elijah Toy Drive runs through Dec. 15. If you’d like to pitch in, you can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the Two Rivers Police Department, or order an item online and have it shipped to the police station. Cash or checks can also be mailed. The address for the Two Rivers Police Department is below:
1717 E. Park Street
Two Rivers, WI 54241
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