Deerfield Residents Make Bracelets Supporting Highland Park Victims

DEERFIELD, IL — In the aftermath of the mass shooting at the Highland Park July 4th parade, Elaine Fisher knew she wanted to do something to help the families of the victims. Fisher, along with other residents of the CJE Tamarisk NorthShore senior living community in Deerfield, began making bracelets, which are being sold in local stores with all proceeds going to the Highland Park Community Foundation. As of last week, the group had already sold 1,000 HP Strong bracelets.

"Our residents have many family connections to HP and were devastated as others," Michelle Bernstein, Director of Life Enrichment at Tamarisk North Shore, told Patch. "Now, as part of their healing process, they are giving back."

The family of Fisher, who has spearheaded the entire project, purchased all the supplies to make the bracelets.

The Highland Park Community Foundation established a July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund following the tragic events of July 4. According to its website, all contributions to the Response Fund go directly to victims and survivors or the organizations that support them.

In addition to making the bracelets, residents at Tamarisk North Shore have also streamed two vigils, had a special Shabbat service and created a support group with qualified post crises leaders. Previously, the residents also sold bracelets for Ukraine, according to Bernstein.

"They are an active group of residents who are always looking at different ways to volunteer," Bernstein said.

Between three local stores — Taylor Reese, My Sister's Circus and Stationary Station (Highland Park) — and word-of-mouth, the bracelets are selling quickly. According to a social media post by My Sister's Circus, the bracelets are selling for $10. Bernstein said bracelets are also being mailed all over the country to grandchildren.