The Elkhorn community joins the Graves family in mourning the loss of 2-year-old Lane Graves, after being attacked and killed by an alligator Tuesday night in Orlando.
Trees and mailboxes throughout the Graves family's neighborhood are now adorned with blue ribbons as a way to honor Lane. Neighbors wanted to do a gesture to show the Graves they are loved and supported by their community and are ready to step in, in any way possible upon their return home.
"As a neighborhood, we hope that they just feel the love, basically of how much we care about them and - we can't do anything to replace him but we want to let them know that we care," says Jeff Nichols.
Neighbors spent the day purchasing blue ribbon and hanging them throughout the entire neighborhood. They’re now working with the church to organize other events to honor and support the family.
Nichols says their community is close, and they're there for each other in the good and bad times.
"That's just the type of neighborhood we are. We are all friendly and want to know our neighbors. Our job is to be here for each other," says Nichols."
Neighbors are hosting a “Lemonade for Lane” fundraiser to raise money for a memorial for the family. They will have free cookies and lemonade and will accept any and all donations. The event is from noon to 5 p.m. at the Elkhorn Valley View Middle School.
