ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. -
For those who did not know murder victim Melissa Jenkins, Friday was a day to show support for her family and friends by wearing pink. Some wore pins, others work shirts, hats and sweaters. And the closer you got to St Johnsbury, the more pink there was.
Here's what people had to say about going pink for Melissa.
"It was a very moving day. Speaker Shap Smith said a few words, after we had a lovely moment of silence. It was without a doubt a very emotional experience and a heartwarming experience," said Rep. Brian Campion, D-Bennington.
"I am usually not one who wears a lot of badges on my jacket, but in this case, I think it's important enough for us to remember how vulnerable we all are and how much we appreciate our neighbors and how we really do have to stick together as a community. So that is what this heart is all about today," said Sen. Anthony Pollina, P-Washington County.
"They are in support of Melissa Jenkins and her family for the tragic loss. I am from Danville. I went to school with her and our manager decided it would be a good idea to put pink balloons out and we agreed. Pink balloons are everywhere," said Derek Gerand, who wore pink.
"Just supporting all the family members and friends for the loss of Melissa Jenkins," said Mindy Bartlett, who wore pink.
"If you have been to St Johnsbury you will see thousands of pink ribbons everywhere. It shows me and my family and our friends that we are all a community and we all need to help each other and stand together," said Angela Lee, who wore pink.
"I am wearing pink to represent Melissa Jenkins who was my physics teacher. And I think it's helpful to do this to represent what she was and this color represents her in a way, because it was her favorite color. And I think it matters that we show the community what kind of person she was, very amicable and outgoing person," said Mustapha Kay, who wore pink.
"Because a teacher at our school was murdered earlier this week and her favorite color was pink. So to honor her, we decided to wear pink," said Mathew Wilson, who wore pink.
"Just to know about her and honor what happened," said Ben Hartsock, who wore pink.
"It is really important to show support to the family and just the community as a whole. When something tragic happens, it's nice to know that people-- even if they were not directly related to this situation-- can just show compassion and caring for the people that were effected," said Gretchen Jones, who wore pink.
Now there is another way to help the Jenkins family. A trust fund has been set up for Melissa's young son, Tyrell.
"We have had some calls from businesses and they are collecting funds and either having checks or bringing cash and everyone is pitching in together and helping out," said Barb Schoolcraft of the Passumpsic Savings Bank.
Donations for Ty can be made at any Passumpsic Savings Bank in Vermont or New Hampshire.
You can also make a donation online -- www.gofundme.com/id5pk
Or send a donation through the mail:
Melissa Jenkins Memorial Trust
Passumpsic Savings Bank
P.O. Box 38
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Related Stories:
President offers condolences to loved ones of Melissa Jenkins
Memorial service held for Melissa Jenkins
Did murder suspect Allen Prue target a teen online?
Memorial planned for Melissa Jenkins
Family, neighbors react to Jenkins' death and arrests
Waterford couple pleads not guilty in Melissa Jenkins murder
Suspect's family says police have wrong man
Trust to benefit Melissa Jenkins' son
Candlelight Vigil to remember Melissa Jenkins
Vt teacher's death ruled a homicide
Honoring the memory of Melissa Jenkins
Family and friends grieve for Melissa Jenkins
Police: Body discovered in Barnet believed to be Jenkins
Neighbors call Jenkins a loving mother
