As you’re well aware, the Highland Park suburb of Chicago experienced a horrific event this Fourth of July. We want to help provide any useful information necessary on how we can all help– from verified donations and ways to help the community to attending vigils in the area. We know and understand how the devastating occurrence has shaken the state. Please keep reading for more information on how best to help.
GoFundMe has compiled a verified list of donation pages that directly benefit the Highland Park victims.
Donate to Highland Park, IL Parade Shooting Victims Fund from Victim First. 100% of the money raised goes directly to the victim’s families to help cover funeral costs, mental health support, and medical bills.
The Highland Park Community Foundation has also established an official donation page– all donations go directly to the victims and survivors.
Victims of the Highland Park parade shooting:
- Katherine Goldstein, 64.
- Irina McCarthy, 35.
- Kevin McCarthy, 38.
- Stephen Straus, 88.
- Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63.
- Nicolas Toldeo-Zaragoza, 78.
- Eduardo Uvaldo, 96.
Other ways to help include the following:
- Donating to assist in covering the funeral costs for parents Irina and Kevin McCarthy, as they are survived by their 2-year-old son, Aiden.
- Help with funeral costs for beloved teacher and committed synagogue member, Jacquelyn Sundheim, as well as the living expenses for the family.
- Organized by Nivia Guzman, help her grandparents Maria and Eduardo Uvaldo, who were shot in the head and arm, and her younger brother, who was also shot in the arm by donating here.
- Donate to Lilli Carrasco and Hailey Conner’s fundraiser as they seek to cover medical expenses from wounds and therapy costs for hurt family members.
- Helping out with Alan Castillo’s medical expenses for his surgery, and the postoperative care needed.
- Assist in covering medical and funeral costs for beloved grandfather, Nicolas Toledo.
- Help cover medical expenses for Zoe Kolpack, her husband Stephen, and Zoe’s father Mike Joyce as they recover from their injuries sustained.
- The NorthShore University HealthSystem is currently accepting blood donations from anyone who is at least 17 years old, weighs more than 110 pounds, and is in good health.
- A funeral for 88-year-old Stephen Straus is set to take place today at a synagogue in Evanston. Straus is survived by his wife, son, four grandchildren, and his brother.
Attend a vigil at any of the following places:
A series of vigils have been taking place over the past few days. The latest upcoming vigil is at the Glencoe Union Church (263 Park Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022) as they host an Ecumenical Service on Sunday, July 10, at 4 PM with representatives from each participating faith community.
There’s a candlelight vigil 7:30 PM on Sunday at Am Shalom, a reform synagogue, to honor the victims at 840 Vernon Ave. Glencoe, IL 60022.
Community healing
The Family Services of Glencoe is offering free therapists for any drop-ins– no appointment necessary. You do not need to be a Glencoe resident to receive support. Head to Am Shalom from 12 – 2 PM at 840 Vernon Ave. or the Takiff Center from 1-3 PM at 999 Green Bay Road.
There are also helplines available:
The JCFS Chicago Warm Line is available to provide assistance for anyone affected by the Highland Park shooting– this is for anyone who does not have an urgent need and is looking for someone to talk to about their emotional distress. Call Monday through Thursday, any time between 9 AM and 5 PM, or Fridays from 9 AM to 4 PM at 855-275-5237.
Highland Park residents can also text 224Help to 844-823-5323 to receive immediate assistance from a licensed mental health care professional. This service is available 24/7.