Volunteers Tie Ribbons to Honor Teen's Memory

Jennifer Cook didn't know the 13-year-old Albert Einstein Middle School student , but she felt a responsibility to do something in response to the news.

"We're really quick to show the negative stuff, but there's a good core of people in this community who care," Cook said.

She and at least five other volunteers spent Thursday morning tying 20 to 30 rolls of ribbons around trees, light poles and fences in Rosemont. The idea was started on Facebook by another woman who didn't know or her family, Cook said.

"I feel that as a community member we have a responsibility to keep this in the forefront," she said.

She said she hopes the ribbons will honor Jessica's memory and encourage authorities to be persistent in their search for the culprit. Cook said she hopes the group's actions will show "really what the core of Rosemont is."

Cook said she and other volunteers spent about $100 on ribbons, and may tie more in the future. Anyone interested in volunteering time or money may contact jenniferjcook@sbcglobal.net or ella_storm@yahoo.com.