<div>On Friday, May 16th, 2025, our close-knit community of Palos Park was shaken by a tragic event at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration and Palos Park Episcopal Daycare. A vehicle crashed into the church where young children, ranging in age from 15 months to 5 years old, were attending their daycare and preschool. This devastating incident has left families traumatized and our community reeling.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In the immediate aftermath, our brave teachers and first responders rushed to the scene, and we are deeply grateful for their swift action. Several individuals were injured and required hospitalization, including young children and the incredibly brave and dedicated teachers who acted heroically to protect their students. The impact of this event extends beyond those physically injured, touching the lives of countless families, educators, and community members.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As a community, our hearts go out to these precious children, their families, the courageous teachers who prioritized the safety of their students, and all those whose lives have been affected by this tragedy. We have witnessed incredible acts of compassion and resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Now, it is our turn to rally together and provide meaningful support to those most impacted. This GoFundMe campaign has been established to help the affected families, teachers, and other community members navigate the difficult days ahead. Your generous contributions will help alleviate the unexpected financial burdens they now face, including medical expenses, emotional support, and other unforeseen needs arising from this tragedy.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Required by GoFundMe: The funds will be distributed to the 5 affected families, the 5 teachers on the scene of the accident, and the 6 daycare teachers not at the scene. Without sharing specific numbers, over 50% will go to the directly affected families and the other 50% will go to the teachers. I am not related to anyone received funds but rather I am a concerned and loving parent of two children personally affected by PPED. The transfer plan for the funds includes depositing the money into my account then it will immediately be distributed via check (to the families) and/or cash (to the teachers) so that medical bills and mental health services will be paid.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/17/3-children-hospitalized-driver-crash-palos-park-church/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tribune Article about Accident</a>
</div>

Aryelle Schicht

Anonymous

Cheryl Ryniak

Laura Tucker

Eva Tsang

Kathryn Young

ALEXANDER POLLEY

Mary Fagan

Mohanad Affaneh

Christina Mociuk

Amani Ghouleh

Ameen Chehade

Ali Yassine

Mike Schimanski

Robert Wyatt

Rasha Atallah

Jessica Lindsted

Margaret Lehner

Help Palos Park Children, Teachers, and Community Heal

Help Palos Park Children, Teachers, and Community Heal

Still $9,406 to go. Help us build momentum.