A little girl sells friendship bracelets to give back to the hospital where she stayed when she was born. She has raised over $23,000, which she gave to the hospital to inspire others.
According to the New York Times, Hayley Orlinsky was a patient in the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital NICU when she was young. She is giving back to the hospital seven years after she had stayed there.
The little girl makes rubber friendship bracelets then sell them to earn money. She uses the money to buy PPE for frontline workers and the patients' families.
Already sold 9,000 bracelets
Based on the outlet, Orlinsky has already made and sold almost 9,000 colorful bracelets. The child's fundraiser page stated that she has already helped raise over $23,000 to help the hospital with their relief fund for COVID-19. The second-grader told NYT that she could not believe that what she was doing was something essential.
Lurie Children's Community Engagement Associate Director, Tracey McCusker, told PEOPLE how the girl had helped them. McCusker noted that the hospital was able to respond to the rapidly changing needs of its people because of the critical funds Orlinsky has raised.
Adding to that, McCusker said that the child has brought inspiration and bright light for everyone. Their staff, patient families, and the community are all grateful for all her hard work and support.
The NYT reported that Orlinsky first got an idea of making bracelets when the pandemic started. It was when frontliners were having a shortage of PPE. She made a bracelet then told her mom she wanted to sell them to make money.
How she developed a helping spirit
Author Lori Orlinsky, the child's mom, was not surprised by her daughter's initiative because she knows how much her child wanted to help others. She explained to the NYT that her character started after she got teased for being the shortest in school.
The "Being Small (Isn't So Bad After All)" author added that her daughter became more empathetic of others who needed help. She had helped her child start an online fundraiser with an initial goal of $200. Each rubber bracelet costs $3, but you pay $5 if you buy two.
Orlinsky also noted that "The Alycat Series" fans could order a limited edition cat charm by adding $5. Doctors and nurses, on the other hand, could have them for free. Family, friends, strangers from all over the world helped raise thousands of dollars, based on the NYT.
The girl's grandparents donated, as well as Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The NYT reported that the mayor ordered the colors of the Chicago White Sox. Not only that, but Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker also bought three Chicago-themed bracelets.
Orlinsky sought the help of her younger sister, Ellie, due to high demand. Since then, she had stopped accepting custom-made orders but noted to make beautiful surprise bracelets because it is quicker. She told the outlet that she wants to do it until the pandemic is over.
