A Good Deed When It Mattered Most

Just days before Christmas, an apartment fire in Milwaukee displaced dozens of families—many with young children—leaving them without homes, possessions, or the ability to provide even the simplest comforts.

Because Lutheran Church Charities had resources ready before the crisis, we were able to respond immediately.

An LCC Care Team from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Grafton, Wisconsin, served at a Multi-Agency Resource Center coordinated by the Red Cross. The team—Mark Brueggemann (LCC Crisis/Disaster Response Coordinator for the South Wisconsin District), Beverly Brueggeman, and Dave Koopman—came ready to listen, to care, and to act.

They distributed prayer shawls, hygiene kits, quilts, devotionals, and gift cards. But just as importantly, they paused with each family. They listened to stories of loss. They acknowledged fear and exhaustion. They offered presence.

Many of the families were struggling to imagine how they would care for their children—especially with Christmas just days away.

In the middle of that uncertainty, small moments of hope emerged.

Dave spent time with a young non-verbal child who had spilled crayons across the floor, gently engaging him with conversation and fist bumps until a shy smile appeared. A young couple rushing back to work received supplies, a devotional, and a gift card. Overwhelmed, the man broke down in gratitude and said through tears, “We can’t believe this. This will help so much,” as he received a compassion-filled hug.

Some families were unable to attend the resource center at all. Because funds were available, the team partnered with the Salvation Army to personally deliver essential items—making sure no family was missed.

These moments mattered. Not because they erased the loss—but because they brought stability, dignity, and care when families needed it most.

Why the Emergency Family Fund MattersNone of this happens by accident.

The Emergency Family Fund exists so LCC can move quickly, without delay, when families are in crisis. It allows us to provide immediate assistance—gift cards, basic needs, transportation, follow-up care—before red tape slows the response.

When emergencies happen near holidays, the need feels even heavier. Children are watching. Parents are desperate to hold things together. The window to help is small.

Because donors had already given, we were ready.
That readiness turned chaos into compassion.
Loss into presence.
Fear into moments of peace.

As We Begin a New Year
Emergencies don’t wait for the “right” moment. Fires, floods, violence, and sudden loss will come again. The question is whether we will be ready.

Your gift to the LCC Emergency Family Fund ensures that when the next family faces crisis—tomorrow, next week, or next Christmas—we can respond immediately with care, dignity, and the love of Christ.
Together, we can continue bringing good deeds when they matter most.

Thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and your partnership in caring for families in their most vulnerable moments.

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