Memory of elementary students inspires Abbotsford community toy drive [Video]

ABBOTSFORD, Wis. (WSAW) – After two Abbotsford Elementary School students died in an incident over the summer, teachers gathered the community to create the Emily and Melanye Toy Drive in their memory this holiday season.

Tim Buttke, a third-grade teacher at Abbotsford Elementary, reached out to Brett Nelson, a business teacher at Abbotsford High School with an idea. Together, they gathered members of their school and community to create a toy drive. They have received support from other staff, administrators, students, and community members in donations, wrapping, and funding for the event.

“I’d stress the community involvement, the staff, and how supportive it’s been. It’s not our show. It came from an idea in September, but as much as it’s been us, it’s been the staff and the administration, and the whole community itself has really put this on,” Nelson said.

They wanted to remember Emily and Melanye, two beloved students who died over the summer.

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