Belgrade, Serbia – August 6, 2026 – Sometimes, the most meaningful acts of generosity begin by simply seeing a need firsthand.

Last fall, Michael and Tricia Sakich visited the Institution for the Education of Children and Youth in Belgrade (formerly known as the Vasa Stajić Shelter) and witnessed the difficult conditions in which the children and young people were living. Seeing those conditions firsthand left a lasting impression on them—and inspired their family to help bring meaningful and much-needed change to the Institution.

Through their generous support of the Lifeline Humanitarian Organization of Chicago, under the patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine, the Institution has now received 25 new wardrobes, 25 desks, and 25 chairs, providing residents with improved spaces to store their personal belongings, study, and carry out their daily activities.

The Sakich family’s generosity went even further. Two bedrooms were completely repainted and brightened with colorful wall paneling, and two badly needed doors were replaced, helping transform previously worn living spaces into rooms that feel more welcoming, dignified, and cared for.

For children and young people living in an institution, these improvements represent far more than new furniture and freshly painted walls. They provide a greater sense of comfort, dignity, belonging, and the knowledge that people thousands of miles away care deeply about their well-being.

HRH Crown Princess Katherine expressed her gratitude for the Sakich family’s compassion and generosity:

“I am deeply grateful to all those who recognize the importance of investing in better conditions for the upbringing of children and youth. Projects like this are not only an investment in facilities, but also in their future. I extend my special thanks to Mr. Michael and Mrs. Tricia Sakich for their selfless support and generosity.”

Mrs. Tatjana Milenković Kajkut, Director of the Institution, also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to HRH Crown Princess Katherine, Lifeline Chicago, and the Sakich family:

“Such examples of humanity, solidarity, and social responsibility provide our beneficiaries not only with material support, but also with a sense of care, support, and belonging to the community. We are grateful that they have recognized the needs of the children and young people in our care and, through their noble gesture, brought joy, hope, and additional motivation into their daily lives.”

Lifeline Chicago is especially grateful to Michael and Tricia Sakich and their family for turning what they witnessed during their visit into action. Their generosity is a beautiful example of the difference that can be made when compassion is followed by a commitment to help.

Because of their kindness, these young residents now have more than new furniture and renovated rooms. They have a more dignified place to live, learn, and grow—and a powerful reminder that they have not been forgotten.

The Lifeline Humanitarian Organization of Chicago, under the patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine, remains committed to improving conditions for children and other vulnerable individuals throughout Serbia and Republika Srpska. Through the generosity of donors like the Sakich family, Lifeline Chicago continues to turn compassion into meaningful, lasting change.