Kids & Family

'I'm Speechless': Tinley Wish Helps Families in Need

Thanks to donations from the community and the work of volunteers, the program helps disadvantaged residents enjoy the holidays.

It's been a rough few years for the Buchanans.

For much of that time, wife and mother Dawn Buchanan has been battling a variety of digestive disorders that have required multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, as well as a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Those medical issues also have exhausted the family's insurance, and both she and her husband, Dave, lost their jobs.

As if that wasn't enough, Dawn accidentally shocked herself about two weeks ago while putting up Christmas decorations, Dave said. The injury left burns on her hand.

Given these trials, it's no wonder the Buchanans were overwhelmed when a convoy of Tinley Park fire trucks and police vehicles rolled to a stop in front of their home on 64th Court on the morning of Dec. 14. The gift-bearing procession was part of Tinley Wish, a program that helps disadvantaged village families each year during the holidays.

"It's hard to say," Dave said when asked how he felt as volunteers dropped off wrapped presents in front of the family's tree, with some residents offering a handshake or a hug. "I'm speechless. … It's a total surprise."

For the past 18 years, Tinley Wish accepts nominations for Tinley Park families and then chooses those most in need of help.

Annually, members of the Tinley Wish Committee collect nominations for disadvantaged families from schools, churches and various humanitarian organizations. The committee reviews the recommendations and chooses nominees who are most in need of assistance. The only requirement is that the receiver must live in Tinley Park. The program, which operates through the Tinley Park Police Department, then gathers donations from the community in order to buy the presents and help in other ways.

Tinley Wish helped five families this year, although not only of them wanted the "bells and whistles treatment" that the Buchanans received. Of the five chosen, two families opted for a smaller gifts presentation on a separate day, without the sirens and lights.

Check out the video to see Dawn and Dave's reaction to the Tinley Wish convoy.

YOUR TURN: For more information about the Tinley Wish program, visit the organization's website. Residents interested in volunteering can contact the Tinley Park Police Department at 708-532-9111.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here