7-Year-Old Chicago Girl’s Homemade Bracelets Raise $20k for Hospital’s Pandemic Gear

By Peyton Phillips December 13, 2021

Her initial goal was just $200, which she quickly surpassed, raising nearly $20,000.

Hayley Orlinsky makes colorful bracelets by looping rubber bands over her thumb and index finger in a robotic-like fashion. The 7-year-old girl from Chicago spent most of the pandemic making the bracelets and selling them as a way to purchase personal protective equipment for a children’s hospital.

So far, Hayley has brought in nearly $20,000 for Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. Her initial goal was just $200 — which she met very quickly — by charging just $3 for a bracelet and $5 for an added charm.

She was inspired to help after hearing news stories of PPE shortages during the height of the pandemic. All of the funds Hayley makes go straight to the hospital through a fundraising office.

“I want to do it until coronavirus is over,” said Hayley. “It feels like I’m helping a lot of people.”

Image source: U.S. News & World Report