Community support for murdered Melbourne toddler Sanaya Sahib has left her heartbroken family "almost lost for words".
About 200 people gathered on Friday at Olympic Park in Heidelberg West for a vigil to remember the little girl and release pink and yellow balloons.
The 14-month-old's body was found in the Darebin Creek on Sunday less than 24 hours after her mother, Sofina Nikat, told police she had been snatched from her pram in the park.
Nikat, of Mitcham, was charged with her daughter's murder on Tuesday.
After the balloon ceremony and two songs sung by local girl Bella-Mia Bortolin, 9, Sanaya's uncle Jameel Ahmed said the family thanked the community from "the bottom of our hearts".
"Obviously it's been the most difficult week for all of us and it means so much, I'm almost lost for words," he said.
"She (Sanaya) absolutely lit up our lives in the short time she was with us, she touched a lot of hearts."
Hundreds of flowers, soft toys, and notes have been left at a makeshift shrine along a fence at Olympic Park since the toddler's body was found.
Sanaya's funeral will be at Dandenong South's Bunurong Memorial Park at 11.15am on Saturday, with the service open to the public before a private burial.
Mourners release balloons at a community vigil for murdered 14 month old Sanaya Sahib at Darebin creek, Heidelberg West, Friday, April 15, 2016. Source: AAP
Mourners release balloons at a community vigil for murdered 14 month old Sanaya Sahib at Darebin creek, Heidelberg West, Friday, April 15, 2016. Source: AAP
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