CHATHAM, IL (Chambana Today) – As the village of Chatham mourns the loss of four young lives after a Jeep crashed through the YNOT Outdoors after-school program, the focus is now turning to the survivors still fighting to recover — and the overwhelming wave of community support rising to meet their needs.
Four children remain hospitalized following Monday’s crash, which killed three elementary students and an 18-year-old counselor. Among the injured is 7-year-old Ella Orsi, who remains in the pediatric intensive care unit with severe facial fractures, a broken jaw, brain swelling, and bleeding. Her family says she’s been responsive and is showing signs of progress.
To help cover Ella’s extensive medical treatment, friends and family launched a GoFundMe campaign that has seen a steady flow of donations. The Glenwood High School Student Council raised over $150,000 to assist with funeral expenses for the victims and support the injured.
In addition to online fundraising, the Chatham community has mobilized in remarkable ways. Red T-shirts, displaying “We Are Chatham Strong,” are being sold to benefit victims’ families. Local bars, restaurants, and businesses are donating portions of their sales, while others have offered free meals to first responders and impacted families.
On Wednesday, a local trampoline park offered free play to district children, funded by a real estate firm. An ice cream shop hosted a therapeutic event for children, complete with sidewalk chalk messages and a visit from a therapy dog and school counselor.
At the crash site, now a growing memorial of flowers, signs, and ribbons, the community continues to gather for candlelight vigils and moments of silence. School has been canceled through Friday, with mental health resources made widely available to students and families.