The family and friends of a 5-year-old boy who is still missing after falling into the Genesee River are getting another boost of support.

Zy-Jae St. Pierre's community put together an event in his honor.

Pierre graduated from preschool a year ago, where organizers set up a red balloon release at the area playground.

Spectrum News 1 is told Pierre loved it there and that his favorite color is red.

He has been missing since late Sunday afternoon when he climbed the railing on the Andrews Street Bridge and accidentally fell into the Genesee River. 

Scuba and other search teams were back out Friday. The water level had been lowered to assist with the search. 

Pierre’s teacher and the preschool director say he was a happy, positive child who always showed up with a hug. 

“I could tell you that Zy’Jae was a very loving child he would come in, he would tell me how much he missed me, loved me, give hugs. He always wanted to play with kids he just always wanted to learn,” said preschool teacher Maria Martinez.

“When my son walked in and showed me the picture and said Mom  isn’t this the little boy that went here last year? I immediately stopped doing what I was doing and went over to the owner and said we have to do something. And I started putting things together immediately,” said April Wilcox, director of Sunshine Village Childcare Center.

That included sending a letter to parents, contacting the family, collecting donations and planning this evening’s balloon release.