Support for Park-N-Chill - Springfield, IL

Hi! My name is Gina Russell, and my family and I live just steps away from the Park-N-Chill in Washington Park. The Park-N-Chill is run by the Klyczek Family - Sandy, Steve and Steve (their son)! They are extraordinary, kind, welcoming, and just overall lovely humans — and our area is lucky to be home to such a wonderful little business. The Park-N-Chill was affected by our recent storms, and while everything is ok structurally, they are still without power. They have had a portable generator hooked up to save their frozen and refrigerated items. But, because the generator is sitting out on the patio area, the Klyczek Family has been taking shifts to stay with it - 24 HOURS A DAY - to discourage people who continue to attempt to steal it. Yes - they have had to chase off groups of people and have had to reach out to the police for assistance several times over the last four days. (And we’ve seen them there, day and night, every time we’ve walked our pups these last few days.) Additionally, Park-N-Chill is still unable to open for business, because even WITH the generator, they still don’t have lights or hot water. And, to add to their stress, someone smashed in one of the windows of Sandy’s car last night after she left the park (after 1am)! She told me she had just cleaned out her car and was planning to give the pennies to her kid customers for the wish fountain nearby. I can only imagine the sadness, frustration and just overall deflated feeling Sandy and her family must be experiencing. My hope is that if even a few people donate the cost of their favorite dole whip (or scoop of Cookie Monster ice cream!) to Sandy and her family, then they can focus on getting up and running as soon as their electricity is restored. And, if you can’t donate, please send words of encouragement! I know your encouragement means the world to them. ALL funds will go directly to Sandy and her family.