Zac's Zoo To Comfort Children In Crisis

From Zac's Zoo: Highland Park residents Ellen and Barry Cohen, and their daughter, Elana, are seeking donations of new stuffed animals. They will be donating them to local fire and police departments, who will use them to calm children in crisis. The efforts are in memory of their son, Zac, who passed away this autumn, at the age of 20.

Thirteen years ago, then 7-year old Zac Cohen created Zac’s Zoo, collecting thousands of stuffed animals to help young victims of Hurricane Katrina. He believed strongly in supporting those in crisis and that stuffed animals had a way of providing comfort.

“Zac understood that when you are a child, having a stuffed animal is like having a friend or family member you can always rely on, talk to, love, and be loved unconditionally, no matter what,” said his sister, Elana. “These stuffed animals will be available for first responders to use during ambulance rides, domestic violence interventions, and other times when children are faced with crisis,” added his mom, Ellen.

Zac’s Zoo will be accepting donations of new stuffed animals at the City of Highland Park Tree Lighting ceremony, Saturday, November 17th between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Port Clinton Square. Donation dropoffs will also be located at City Hall, Highland Park Fire Stations and the Highland Park Police Station, during the month of December, as well as at the Martin Luther King Day of Service, in January.

Zac Cohen attended Highland Park schools, including Wayne Thomas Elementary School and Northwood Middle School. On September 7th, 2018, Zac was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident at the age of 20. He lived his life serving others, taking great pleasure in helping the less fortunate. In his spirit, his family is revitalizing Zac’s Zoo with the hope they can honor Zac’s memory by helping to restore a sense of calmness, security, and comfort for children facing adversity.

In addition to working with the City of Highland Park Fire and Police Departments, Zac’s Zoo is partnering with the Highland Park-Highwood Legal Aid Clinic Student Board, as well as Ravinia Festival to encourage broad participation and awareness of this opportunity to help children in crisis.

For more information, or to become a Zac’s Zoo drop-off location, contact zacszoo98@gmail.com.

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