Public encouraged to wear jerseys Friday to honor Jackson Sparks, boy killed in Waukesha Christmas parade

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A post with a simple idea to honor an 8-year-old boy killed in the Waukesha Christmas parade attack is gaining increasing attention and national recognition this week.

"Jersey's for Jackson," a public call via a Facebook post by Todd Ahrens, asks kids to wear a baseball jersey to school on Friday, Dec. 3 to honor 8-year-old Jackson Sparks, one of six people killed when a man sped his SUV through crowds at the Waukesha Christmas parade last week.

"I did Friday because I hope that they can come home tonight and maybe get a couple hours of sleep and they wake up tomorrow morning and see the support from around the country, and now it sounds like maybe around the world," said Ahrens. "I hope that maybe it just cracks a little smile that we're out here for him."

One day after Jackson's funeral, people around the world will come together wearing baseball jerseys to show their support.

Ahrens is originally from southeast Wisconsin. He was in town during the parade and returned home wondering what else he can do. 

The post has been shared over 10,000 times by people around the world. 

"I've had school districts reach out to me and tell me they're changing their dress code policy," said Ahrens. 

Now, athletes, local communities and groups from across the country are answering the call, including Christian Yelich and the Milwaukee Brewers encouraging people to wear jerseys Friday, Dec. 3. 

Mayor Tom Barrett said all non-uniformed city employees are also encouraged to wear a jersey Friday. 

Joshua Colon, the owner of Puma Baseball Academy in Kenosha said, for baseball players and coaches the loss of a player anywhere is a loss to all. 

"You see your players in this player when something like this happens," said Colon. 

The memorial in Waukesha continues to grow as baseball items are added among the toys, candles and flowers. 

"He loved baseball so I bought a little baseball bat and a ball," said Anna Brown. 

Anna Brown, once a softball player, didn't know Jackson Sparks or his family, but she was there to show her support. She will be in a jersey Friday. 

"I'm also bringing out my baseball glove," said Brown.