A week ago 9-year old Skyler Kauffman was still alive with a full life ahead of her. Monday, the Montgomery County girl became the victim of an unspeakable crime, and her young life was stolen from her.
Some of the same firefighters who helped search for Skyler took up collections for her grieving family.
A steady stream of shoppers kept coming by the collection area outside Landis Supermarket in Telford where firefighters accepted donations for the family of 9 year old Skyler Kauffman.
"We've had a very good turnout, I'd say 75 to 80-percent of the people going to the store are coming by and making a donation," said Marv McKowen.
It was last Monday that the child was brutally raped and murdered allegedly by a neighbor, 24 year old James Lee Troutman. He was arrested and charged in connection with the case a few hours later.
The horrible crime resonated with many in the small community when firefighters decided to do something about it.
With banners proclaiming "Firemen for Skyler", Firefighters from Tylersport, Telford and Souderton gathered at several places on Saturday to collect money for the Kauffman family.
"It's a very small community, we're all local to the area so it impacts everybody personally here, especially with small children," said Scott Elsesser. "So, we're just trying to do our best to give the girl a respectful burial and headstone and help the mother and move along."
People have been very cooperative, giving from their hearts to a little girl they didn't even know, but surely were touched by this horrific tragedy.
"I just can't believe something like this would happen so close to here. It always happens down in Philadelphia or further away but so close to here, it's just, it's heartbreaking," said Grace Mattson.
"If you're a mother, it doesn't matter what you are, if you're human, it's horrible, just to look at that poor little girl," Elsie Wertz said.
Skyler Kauffman's funeral is scheduled for Monday morning.
