Holiday toy drive in memory of Elijah Vue appears to benefit Two Rivers children in need

TWO RIVERS (WLUK) — As Two Rivers gets into the holiday spirit, the death of three-year-old Elijah Vue still looms large.

So much so that community members who helped search for the young boy during the months he was missing began a toyI must honor him.

With the support of Elijah’s family, members of the “Remembering Elijah Vue” The Facebook group organized the campaign in partnership with the Two Rivers Police Department.

“Having organizations like this doing things where we can remember and honor Elijah’s memory, it’s great and we really want to partner with that,” said Capt. Andrew Raatz of the TRPD.

They are looking for new unwrapped toys that will benefit children in need in Two Rivers.

The drive also accepts cash or check donations, which will benefit the Two Rivers Police Department’s “Shop with a Cop” program.

Although Elijah’s death has shaken Two Rivers residents, this toy drive is another example of a community bringing out the best in itself in light of a heartbreaking event.

“It was amazing how many resources came to help us, whether it was other law enforcement agencies, citizens or private citizen groups,” Raatz said. “So it was amazing to see that happen, and I think this toy drive is kind of an extension of that – in the sense that, let’s not forget Elijah, let’s not forget the other kids in our community who are in need, and how we can help them this holiday season.

Elijah was reported missing in February. His remains were found in Septemberless than five miles from where he was last seen. Vue’s mother, Katrina Baur, and her boyfriend, Jesse Vang, face charges in connection with the boy’s death.

Officials say they learned a lot from the incident.

“How do we prevent something like this in the future as an agency, that’s obviously going to require a look at things we can do to get it out into the community,” Raatz said.

Anyone wishing to participate in the toy drive can drop off or have their items shipped to the Two Rivers Police Department before December 15.