Tinley Community Donates Furniture And Clothes For Fire Victims

TINLEY PARK, IL — After a fire that destroyed an apartment complex in Tinley Park left four families without a home, Tinley Park and surrounding community members came together to help. On Sunday, volunteers and two flat-bed tow trucks with Automedics Inc. rode around town to gather new furniture, clothing and more for the victims.

The Tinley Park Fire Department responded to the fire in the 6500 block of West 173rd Place that residents say began in a closet. The four-unit apartment building is now uninhabitable, but no residents were seriously hurt, according to officials.

Less than 24-hours after the fire changed the lives of the residents, local community members sprang into action, raising over $8,000, along-side new essentials for victims.

"We need to rent a storage space to hold the amount of donations we are getting. The amount of financial support, clothes, toys, furniture ... it's just jaw dropping," Robyn Yolich, victim of the fire said. "I want to give some of what we received to my neighbors. It started in my apartment and I'm taking responsibility in any way I can."

Yolich and other volunteers rented the storage space and on Sunday, gathered new couches, tables clothing and more, to distribute among herself and neighbors affected by the flames.

"It took a few hours and there is still a bit more we have to gather," Yolich said. "We are just so grateful and proud to be residents of Tinley Park. We can't thank everyone enough for the stuff."

Joe Skvarla, manager of Automedics — located at 13751 Southwest Hwy, Orland Park — said the company was quick to help in any way they could, upon hearing about the fire.

"We are always happy to help in the community. Towing operators always get a bad rep ... I always wanted to change that so any chance we get to help out the community we take to show that we care," Skvarla said. "A really big part of our company is being able to help people in need."

The manager said the family owned business has been getting involved in community efforts for years and tries to bring joy to residents as much as they can.

"We have been involved in towtrucks for tots for over 13 years and put on one of the largest towtruck parades in the world," Skvarla said. "We came out here today as a way to help in any way we could. I, Kevin Griffin and Marcin Siglowy wanted to donate our time and trucks to help today."

The Village of Tinley Park invited Yolich to the annual Christmas tree lighting event on Friday, where Robin and her son Marshall lit the tree.

"They have had a recent tragedy, and it is our honor to have them here with us this evening to be our ceremonial tree lighting individuals, " Mayor Jacob Vandenberg said. "This is what makes Tinley Park a truly unique and special place to live. This is the simplest thing we can do to help."