Minnesotans Gather To Honor Jacob Wetterling On 'Create Joy Day'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Saturday, people are spreading love and kindness for the family of Jacob Wetterling.

Jacob was abducted near his home in St. Joseph in 1989. His body was found just a month ago.

Days later, Jacob's mother, Patty Wetterling released a statement to respond to people wanting to know how they could help the family.

She said: "Create joy. Help your neighbor. That is what will bring me comfort today."

A group of friends took those words to heart. They've designated Oct. 1 as "Create Joy Day," calling on people across the country to create moments of joy for others.

In Paynesville, carnival games filled Gazebo Park and donations were collected for the local community center. A tree was dedicated to Jacob and bubbles were passed out in his memory.

"We were hoping that by bringing us all together and doing joyful things, that we could create something positive out of this movement and that we can be a model for other communities to do it too and just bring more joy into the world," Jamie Fearing said.

The group is also raising money for a new playground to honor Jacob's life.