Residents, families and mental health advocates gathered in Orland Park on May 30 for the second annual Mental Health/Wellness Fair & Walk, an event focused on wellness, connection and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health conversations.
The event, held at 10401 W. 153rd St., was organized by Orland Park resident Michelle Maxia, director of the Toy Box Connection, a children’s charity that has helped families in need since 2007.
Working through the Toy Box Connection, Maxia and her volunteers have provided necessities ranging from clothing and books to mattresses, diapers and food to families facing hardship throughout the community.
“I knew that there was a need and where it was needed, being a former police officer,” said Maxia, a retired police officer with the Cook County Sheriff’s Department.
This year’s “Be Kind to Your Mind” event featured nearly 30 vendors and wellness practitioners offering resources and services aimed at supporting emotional and physical well-being. Attendees had access to therapists, nutritionists, yoga, massages, red-light therapy and other wellness resources throughout the day.
Local businesses and vendors also participated, including Pass Health Foods in Palos Heights, Emerald Coffee and Joey’s Hotdogs.
Families filled the event grounds throughout the afternoon, with children enjoying an obstacle course, bounce house and other activities. Therapy dogs and therapy ponies also drew attention from attendees looking for comfort and connection.
The event began with a 5K run, followed by a flexible 2K walk that participants could complete at any point during the day. Rather than focusing on competition, the walk encouraged conversation, reflection and community support.
Maxia said the event was created to help change the way people talk about mental health and to provide a welcoming environment where residents could connect with resources and one another.
“I thought, what can I do to create something to help people not go down the path to suicide,” Maxia said. “I wanted to create a daytime event with resources and people can come out and meet others, have these important conversations and build relationships.”
The mission is deeply personal to Maxia. Her nephew died by suicide at the age of 21, an experience that motivated her to become more involved in mental health awareness and prevention efforts.
“The more people that learn about this, the better — that’s my goal,” she said. “I just want to make a difference.”
Maxia said even helping a single person makes the months of planning worthwhile.
“If one person comes and gets connected to the resources they need, then I did all of this for just that one person and that’s so important to me,” Maxia said.
Growing awareness surrounding emotional wellness nationwide has led many communities to create more open conversations about mental health, and the Orland Park event reflected those efforts through a supportive, family-centered atmosphere.
