Tinley Park Memory Care Residents Sell Tie-Dye To Benefit Ukraine

TINLEY PARK, IL — Senior citizens affected by dementia came together to raise over $200 for Ukrainian refugees during a tie-dye event at Porter Place, officials told Patch.

Porter Place, an Anthem Memory Care center, organized the event after a Ukrainian resident expressed interest in giving back. The 74-year-old Gerri Szczecin's father was a native of Ukraine and her mother was born in Poland.

Szczecin joined a small group of other residents to tie-dye and sell t-shirts, hair bands, scrunchies and other jewelry Thursday afternoon.

The event raised over $200 which will be sent to Direct Relief, a Ukrainian Ministry of Health initiative. While the group's goal was a $500 donation, those interested can continue to buy and donate via social media.

"Many of our residents have seen conflicts around the world during their lifetime, and dementia doesn't diminish their desire to help others," said Jennifer Boonstra, life engagement director for Porter Place. "They are committed to helping people whether near or far."

The money donated to the health ministry will go towards medical supplies such as insulin, oxygen concentrators and other medicine for Ukrainians displaced due to Russian attacks.