A Week of Service and Impact in Lena, Illinois

Twenty-two LERT volunteers, alongside Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, assessed 29 sites and completed work at 23 homes in Lena, Illinois over the course of the week. Their efforts brought both physical relief and emotional encouragement to residents recovering from the tornado’s aftermath.

Pastor Jason Shaw of St. John’s in Lena shared his sincere gratitude and blessings for the team’s service at his home and throughout the community. Appreciation was echoed by many residents who encountered the volunteers working across town.

Removing Danger, Restoring Safety

One team tackled a massive 40-foot-tall, 36-inch-diameter pine trunk left standing after the storm. Volunteers also cleared numerous hazardous “widow makers” from homeowners’ yards.

A young mother expressed deep relief, explaining how difficult it had been to keep her children indoors, unable to play outside due to the risk of falling limbs.

At another home, volunteers removed several damaged evergreens. The homeowner, who is ill, spent time sitting on his bench watching the work and speaking with volunteers. While he called them a blessing, his presence and gratitude were equally uplifting to the team. To God be the glory.

Complex Work, Grateful Hearts

Crews worked extensively at Pastor Shaw’s property, clearing fallen trees along a creek. A specialized lift team removed a suspended limb, a dangling trunk, and a hollow split tree—serious hazards that could have caused significant harm.

At another site, a large topped pine tree was cleared from a children’s play area. Both families expressed heartfelt thanks for the care and professionalism shown. One homeowner even shared a poem about community, saying the volunteers had become part of her “village.”

In one backyard bordering a tornado-damaged school, volunteers removed 14 damaged trees. Though the homeowner mourned the loss of his trees, he remained grateful his family was safe.

A Community That Notices

During the final day in Lena, volunteers completed a technically demanding lift operation requiring careful rigging. All dangerous limbs were safely removed, bringing peace of mind to the homeowner.

The community’s appreciation was evident everywhere—even at a local gas station, where a cashier recognized the team and said, “You’re the lift team! Thank you so much for what you are doing here!” The warmth and gratitude of Lena residents made the experience especially meaningful for the volunteers.

Comfort Dogs Bring Calm and Connection in Lena Schools

In addition to cleanup efforts, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry served students and staff across Lena schools, meeting at Lena Elementary before deploying to the elementary, junior high, and high school campuses.

Teams included Bethesda (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, IL), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, IL) at the elementary school; Gethsemane and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, IL) at the junior high; and Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, WI), Shadrach (Prince of Peace - Palatine, IL), and Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI) at the high school. School counselor Lauren Dick shared, “Please send our deepest gratitude to all of the comfort dog teams… all of the kids truly loved it and I really think it made such a difference having them present with us.”

At the junior high, one student arrived frightened and in tears but धीरे warmed up, eventually sitting for over an hour with Gethsemane curled beside her, finding comfort after her home had been damaged. Another student, focused on helping a friend during the storm, returned later noticeably lighter after spending time with the dogs.

At the high school, students supported one another while also taking time to connect with the Comfort Dogs. One quiet student, who had waited off to the side, simply wanted to share a picture of his own dog—an interaction that meant just as much as any words.

At the elementary school, a tearful student was gently brought by a teacher to sit with Mary Comfort Dog. Surrounded by friends and comforted by the dog’s presence, her tears soon faded. Across all المدارس, the presence of the Comfort Dogs created moments of peace, connection, and healing.

Compassion Beyond the Cleanup

In one particularly moving case, volunteers assisted a homeowner who had lost six trees, including cherished fruit trees. She shared her heartbreak—not only over the loss but also due to financial strain after her husband’s recent layoff and ongoing insurance struggles.

After completing the work, the team surprised her with a new apple tree and a plum tree—the same variety she had used for a cherished family recipe. Overcome with emotion, she shared that she would remember the team’s kindness every time the trees bloomed.

Extending the Mission to Roscoe

LCC LERT volunteers, joined by Jason Johnson, LCC Regional Crisis Director – West Coast, began serving in Roscoe out of St. Andrew’s in Rockton, Illinois. This community was also impacted by the tornado that struck on Friday, April 17. Teams quickly got to work, serving at multiple sites and helping homeowners remove storm-damaged trees and debris. At each location, families expressed sincere gratitude as their properties were made safe again—many relieved to no longer worry about additional damage or injury from unstable limbs.

Work continued with two small teams serving at three additional sites, where both physical labor and compassionate listening made a meaningful difference. One homeowner, Mrs. K., had six trees blown down, including beloved fruit trees she had nurtured for years. A self-described “tree hugger,” she was deeply emotional over the loss and shared that her family had already been under strain due to her husband being laid off for two months. With ongoing insurance challenges adding to their burden, the loss felt overwhelming.

The team worked efficiently to remove the fallen trees, helping restore order to her yard. But the most meaningful moment came afterward. During prayer and a group photo, volunteers surprised her with a new apple tree and a plum tree to replant. Overcome with emotion, she shared that the plum tree was the same variety she once used to make a cherished family recipe of plum dumplings. She expressed joy and gratitude, saying she would think of the team each year when the trees bloomed.

Moments like these reflect the heart of the mission—going beyond cleanup to truly care for those affected. Every family served in Roscoe expressed heartfelt thanks, not only for the skilled work, but for the kindness, compassion, and hope restored through simple, thoughtful acts.

Serving with Purpose

From clearing dangerous debris to restoring hope in small but meaningful ways, the volunteers’ work went far beyond physical labor. Whether through skilled chainsaw work or the quiet presence of a Comfort Dog, lives were touched in lasting ways.

Every family and student served expressed sincere gratitude—not just for the help received, but for the compassion shown.

Mr. F was a new homeowner — just three weeks — when the tornado swept through. 

The EF-2 monster, 750 yards wide, packing 130 mph winds, tore his home apart. The roof and soffit were dislodged. The gutters blown off.  Windows blown out. He had interior damage too. On top of it all, he was hit by flying glass. 

Every tree on his property fell or was badly damaged. Dangerous, hanging limbs loomed overhead. When LERT-trained LCC Disaster Response volunteers showed up this week, they spent all day felling seven leaning trees, clearing debris, and making his yard safe again.  

It was an all-hands effort, with Mr. F’s aunt helping pick up limbs and trash. By the end of the day, she couldn’t express enough gratitude, hugging the crew as tears streamed down her face. They presented her and her nephew a cross cut in a slice of the tree and a cross in the stump in the yard — reminders of God’s faithfulness even amid the storm.

This ended the first week of cleanup and recovery for Lena, IL, which saw the tornado leave a path of destruction 8.5 miles long through the center of town, zigzagging around neighborhoods, and past the community’s elementary and junior high school. Students and teachers had sheltered inside, traumatized but thankful to be alive. 

Homes and businesses were a crumpled mess, trees shredded, and power lines down. But they were still together — and they weren’t alone.

Neither would nearby Roscoe, IL. On Tuesday, the village's mayor, Carol Gustafson, invited LCC LERT to assist residents in their community affected by an another EF-1 tornado that struck on April 17. LCC Team Leaders Ed Boerman and Dean Ulrich will meet with Troy Taylor, Village of Roscoe Public Works Director, this morning to assess damage and determine how LCC LERT teams can begin to serve this week.

Back in Lena, at another property, the tornado had felled multiple trees beside a ditch running by the front yard, blocking the flow of water, leaving a pool of water inching toward the house. 
The storm had been destructive — but the aftermath was about to get worse. 

Working quickly, LERT-trained LCC Disaster Response volunteers moved the downed trees, cleaned up the limbs, and trimmed the overgrown bushes creating the blockage. Soon, water was flowing through the culvert again; there would be no flooding in this yard. 

That evening, when the homeowner returned from work, he sent the crew a text: “Your team went above and beyond what I could have imagined. Thank you!”

The line of severe storms was part of a powerful system that also dumped more than a half-foot of rain on already soggy sections of southern Wisconsin, where LCC Disaster Response teams are helping families dry out. Widespread flash flooding inundated the region, particularly Janesville, where a local church had four feet of water on its first floor. 

Six rivers in Wisconsin remained at record flood stage levels after the weekend, prompting evacuations and road closures in more than a dozen counties.   

LERT responders in both states are bringing care, compassion, and the presence of Christ to these hurting communities who are in the midst of cleaning up.  

In Lena, IL, Rev. Jason Shaw, Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, has invited LCC to assist in recovery efforts and deploy caring volunteers to be with those who have been deeply affected by the devastating storm and provide emotional support. After Sunday services, St. John’s members went out around the town to clear debris as Deaconess Kathy O’Day, Director of LCC Disaster Response, met with Lena officials, who referred homeowner sites to the ministry.

Starting Monday, LERT crews were addressing about a dozen sites around Lena, including the Winslow-Lena schools, where students and teachers are still shaken after the storm. They were inside the school building when the tornado hit, keeping doors closed with their feet. 

LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is working with the principals and counselors of the schools to arrange on-site visits when the classes resume. Comfort Dogs Mary (St. Paul – Janesville, WI), Samson (Zion – Marengo, IL), and Bethesda(St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, IL) will meet with students and teachers at the elementary school, while Gethsemane(Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL) and Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL) will visit the middle school. Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield – Brookfield, WI) and Shadrach (Prince of Peace – Palatine, IL) will spend time with high schoolers.    

In Wisconsin, Rev. Greg Hovland, Pastor of Saint John Lutheran in Portage, WI, and the South Wisconsin District Disaster Response Coordinator, was working with LCC’s Mark Brueggemann, Regional Crisis Manager for South Wisconsin District, to provide floor fans and dehumidifiers to congregations. They also have reached out to the North Wisconsin District to offer assistance.

LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer issued a special appeal to help the communities in both states recover and rebuild.   ​

At the invitation of Travis Grulke, Michigan DDRC and Rev. Jonathan Mumme, Associate Director of Theology at Hillsdale College, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) conducted a Basic and Intermediate LCMS LERT chainsaw operation and safety training on April 10 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, MI.

The classroom instruction was led by LCC/LCMS Chainsaw Certified Instructor Pete Springmire, who provided comprehensive training on proper chainsaw use, safety procedures, and best practices. Team Leader Joel Powless assisted during the hands-on workday portion of the training.

On Saturday, April 11, seven Michigan LERT team members put their training into action, serving as sawyers and draggers to clear leaning, downed, and dead trees and limbs from the church property. Under the close supervision and guidance of LCC chainsaw instructors, these newly trained sawyers gained practical experience in safely felling and bucking trees.

The event was not only a valuable learning opportunity but also a meaningful act of service. It provided participants with hands-on skill development while fostering fellowship and teamwork in support of the church community.

Responding to Devastation

Eleven LCC LERT volunteers from the South Wisconsin and Northern Illinois Districts served this past week in Edwardsburg, MI—a community heavily impacted by EF3 tornadoes on March 10. Tragically, this storm claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy and left many families displaced, with homes and properties suffering varying levels of damage.

Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Pastor Paul Doellinger of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cassopolis, MI, to assist the neighboring community with chainsaw work. The church graciously hosted the LERT volunteers. Led by Mark Brueggemann, LCC Regional Crisis Manager (SWD), the team served at six homes during their deployment.

Restoring Property and Hope for an Elderly Widow

One of the team’s most impactful visits was to the home of an elderly widow whose property was covered with fallen trees. Her son, overwhelmed by the destruction of the home he grew up in, walked the team through the damage, repeatedly asking, “Where do I even begin?”

The LERT volunteers stepped in with compassion and determination, working diligently to restore order and safety. Their efforts brought not only physical relief but emotional comfort. At the end of the day, they presented the widow with a slice of one of her trees, carved with a cross and signed by the team. Overjoyed, she shared, “I can’t believe what you accomplished in just one day! Many thanks to all of you!”

While the team could not solve every challenge the family faced, they brought the presence, hope, and love of Jesus to those they served.

Helping Neighbors Rebuild and Feel Safe Again

The team also worked at two neighboring properties. At the first site, although some trees had already been removed by insurance crews, significant debris remained along the fence line. Volunteers cleared downed trees and limbs, restoring safety and accessibility.

Next door, a home had been severely damaged by large trees during the tornado. The homeowners and their four dogs had taken shelter inside during the storm—thankfully escaping injury, though understandably shaken. The property still required extensive chainsaw and pole saw work to remove dangerous hanging limbs and fallen trees.

Both homeowners expressed deep gratitude for the volunteers’ efforts and care. One even treated the team to pastries from a local bakery—a small but meaningful gesture of appreciation. It was truly a day of being a blessing to those in need.

A Grateful Community Response

At another site, the volunteers assisted Mr. B by removing two downed trees near his pond and clearing two trees leaning dangerously over railroad tracks behind his home. As with others, they presented him with a cross-carved slice of wood.

Later, he shared this message on social media:
“I received some much appreciated help from some volunteers from the Lutheran Church today. They cut up and cleared some trees and brush on my property from the tornado. They came from Wisconsin and truly cared for me while here. They even presented me with a plaque they made from my cut wood. God bless them all!”

Serving with Willing Hearts

LCC Disaster Response extends sincere thanks to the following LERT volunteers for their faithful and compassionate service:

Illinois

• Zion, Ottawa – Dave and Cindy Reif

Wisconsin

• Brookfield, Brookfield – Laura Ciletti
• Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls – Roger Kautz
• St. Paul, Grafton – Mark and Bev Brueggemann, Stu Natale
  
• St. Paul, Sheboygan Falls – James Fasse, Mark and Jody LaPean, Pete Strains
  
  

Through their hands-on service and heartfelt compassion, these volunteers made a lasting impact—helping not only to clear debris, but to restore hope in a community recovering from tragedy.

For LERT volunteer and team leader Mark Razny, serving the community doesn’t always require a chainsaw or a muck bucket. Sometimes, all it takes is being there when someone asks.

When he heard that the neighboring community of Crete, IL, had endured a very tragic week, he knew the townspeople needed the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs — and ready to respond were the teams for Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, IN), Jael (Trinity – Hobart, IN), and Michael (LCC Staff).

Crete’s tragic week began on March 23, when a woman allegedly shot an ex-boyfriend and then killed his mother and father in their home. Later that week, a grandfather and his three grandchildren were trapped in a burning home and perished. Three days later, a large family gathering allegedly turned into a domestic dispute and gun battle with three people shot, one of whom died at an area hospital. Two others are still in critical condition.

For a community of 15,000, Crete was rocked by this series of tragic events.

Recognizing the impact on its residents, Crete officials organized a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) last weekend and requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be present for help in offering mental health and support services for the community.

Over two days at the Crete Public Library, the Comfort Dogs and their handlers sat with, encouraged, and prayed with residents, children, town officials, and first responders who needed a few moments of quiet, peace, and encouragement.

On Thursday, Caleb and Michael visited with children and Crete residents, bringing smiles and joy. Their soft fur and waggy tails served as a welcome break from the anxiety and hurt felt around town.

On Saturday, Jael joined Caleb and Michael for a second afternoon of presence, cuddles, and friendly pets. Handlers listened to stories and offered support for the trauma that the community was still feeling.

“In a small community, to have three incidents like that in a few days is heavy and heartbreaking,” one handler said. “The people we met were so thankful to have some time to put that out of their minds and connect with a caring person. We were grateful to be able to be present with them.”

LCC thanks the following K-9 Comfort Dog volunteers: 
Hollye Blossom (Jael)
Joe Cunningham (Caleb)
Dan Fulkerson (Michael)
Kristen Kearney (Caleb)
Nancy Lashenik (Jael)

For Mr. and Mrs. G of Kankakee, IL, the damage started on their block — but the real destruction of homes and a church was just down the street.

The powerful EF-3 tornado that tore through Illinois and into Indiana on March 10 had left their home among the 500 in Kanakee County that were damaged or destroyed. From their basement, they could hear the 150 mph winds slamming limbs against the house, and when it was all over, the tree damage was astounding. How would they ever clean this all up?  

But this week, some “angels in orange” were in their yard with the 64-foot Nifty Lift and rigging to remove dangerous trunk splits, hanging limbs, and leaning trees. “[They] were sent by God to restore hope to us and our community.”

LCC Disaster Response and Luthern Early Response Team volunteers continued a second week of tree cutting, debris removal, and cleanup work in Kankakee, Aroma Park, and St. Anne out of home base St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kankakee.

Since March 12, about 70 LERT helpers from 25 LCMS churches in the Northern Illinois district have completed 547 volunteer hours at 29 homes and the church building.

With national storm relief groups leaving at the end of the week, LCC is making plans to stay.

Invited by Pastor Roger Drinnon of St. Paul Kankakee, LCC Disaster Response anticipates more requests for assistance and stands ready to respond. 

LCC volunteers have been helping church members and community residents take the first steps of the long road to recovery. In hard-hit neighborhoods like Aroma Park, teams are not just cutting limbs and clearing debris — they’re salvaging belongings, listening to survivors’ stories, offering prayer, and bringing comfort in moments of deep loss.

The National Weather Service calculates that the Illinois/Indiana tornado was a half-mile wide at its strongest and cut a swath on the ground for about 37 miles. It touched back down again in Indiana for another 22 miles. The storm resulted in three deaths and scores of injuries.

One St. Paul family had a downed oak tree in their front yard so large that LCC volunteers had to use the 36-inch saw to cut the trunk into slices that could be safely moved the street for pickup. Other homeowners had tree damage and no resources to clear them on their own. LERT volunteers stepped in.

“Each family expressed their thanks for the gracious assistance and caring shown to them,” said Kathy O’Day, director of LCC Disaster Response. “We were thankful for the beautiful weather — finally!”

At the mayor’s house in Aroma Park, IL, it was another two-day job. The mayor himself helped the team drag limbs and sort through debris, thankful for all the work done to make his yard safe again for his family and friends.

“He told us that he knew the lives of this tight-knit community would be changed forever and the destruction was difficult to see, knowing that so many people are displaced,” O’Day said.

Over the weekend, large properties in Kankakee and Aroma Park also were two-day sites due to the number of trees downed and damaged. One homeowner told the team she couldn’t believe the progress they made — but she was particularly touched by the joy they showed in serving.

A Storm That Changed Everything

On the evening of March 10, a powerful EF-3 tornado with winds reaching 150 mph tore through Kankakee County, Illinois, and into Indiana—leaving behind a trail of devastation that spanned nearly 37 miles and stretched half a mile wide.

Communities including Kankakee, Aroma Park, and St. Anne were hit hard. Homes were flattened. Trees were uprooted. Entire neighborhoods were left unrecognizable. Three lives were lost, and many more were injured.

For countless families, everything changed in a matter of minutes.

Homes, vehicles, businesses, and treasured belongings were gone. In their place stood debris, uncertainty, and the overwhelming question of where to begin.

A Rapid Response Rooted in Compassion

The call for help came quickly.

At the invitation of Pastor Roger Drinnon of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kankakee, IL,  Lutheran Church Charities mobilized both its Disaster Response and K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

By the very next morning, LCC Director of Disaster Response Deaconess Kathy O’Day and Southwest Suburban Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leader Mark Razny were on the ground, meeting with the pastor, contacting affected congregation and school families, surveying accessible damage, and coordinating with the Emergency Operations Center to offer support. 

Within 48 hours, LERT volunteers were already serving.

Operating out of St. Paul’s, they stepped into devastated neighborhoods, ready to do whatever was needed.

The Work Begins: Clearing Debris, Carrying Burdens

By Thursday, March 12, chainsaws roared to life and teams got to work.

LERT volunteers began helping families salvage what they could from uninhabitable homes—sorting through debris, packing belongings, cutting downed trees, and clearing yards.

But the work quickly became about much more than cleanup.

It became about people.

Throughout the week, teams listened to story after story, accounts of the terrifying sounds of the storm, the chaos of the aftermath, and the emotional toll that lingered long after the skies cleared.

Families were overwhelmed. Exhausted. Trying to navigate insurance, loss, and uncertainty all at once.

And in the middle of it all, LERT volunteers stayed.

They listened.
They prayed.
They offered hugs.
They showed up—again and again.

“I Felt Lost… But You Gave Me Hope”

In one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods in Aroma Park, volunteers spent three days working alongside a family connected to St. Paul.

Their home—and their vehicles—had been completely destroyed, just like so many others in the neighborhood.

Over those three days, the team helped salvage, pack, and move what belongings remained. They cleared debris scattered across the yard and used chainsaws to remove multiple downed trees.

But what stayed with the team most wasn’t the work—it was the words of the homeowner.

She shared that she felt “so sad, lost, and disoriented” after losing her family home and treasured items passed down from her parents.

And yet, in the middle of that grief, she clung to her faith—and saw something meaningful in the presence of the volunteers.

She believed they were sent to bring her hope, help, and care exactly when she needed it most

The Power of Presence

For much of the week, LERT volunteers remained in the same hard-hit Aroma Park neighborhood.
That consistency made a difference.

As days passed, neighbors who had initially been strangers became familiar faces. Conversations grew deeper. Trust was built.

“It is amazing how being present for three days in the same neighborhood makes a difference,” one team member reflected.

Not just in the amount of work completed—but in what couldn’t be measured:

Restored hope.
Shared tears.
Moments of connection in the middle of chaos.

Even beyond Aroma Park, teams traveled to other affected areas—helping congregation and school families remove fallen trees and begin the slow process of recovery.

Meeting Needs at Every Level

As the response continued, LERT volunteers also served at the Kankakee County Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC)—a one-stop location where disaster survivors could access support from government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations.

There, the teams connected residents with chainsaw and debris removal services, helping them take the next step forward.

But just as importantly, they offered something else:

A listening ear.
A prayer.
A reminder that hope still exists—even in the hardest moments.

That same spirit of service extended beyond the immediate tornado zone.

On Thursday, as Northern Illinois experienced powerful wind gusts reaching 45–70 mph, new damage continued to impact families already facing difficult circumstances. When a large tree fell in the yard of a family connected to Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee, LERT volunteers responded immediately.
Jon Bartelt, Carl Fischer, and Steve Wright arrived that same day to cut and remove the tree, working alongside the homeowner and his father to clear the yard. The wood was even hauled to a neighbor’s home for future use.

It was a simple act—but a meaningful one.

In a time when needs continue to emerge, their quick response reminded this family that they were not alone , and that help can arrive right when it’s needed most.

Healing Beyond the Debris: Comfort Dogs in Indiana

While chainsaws and cleanup efforts continue in Illinois this week, another kind of healing is taking place just across the state line in Indiana.

In Lake Village and Roselawn—small communities deeply impacted by the same storm—families were navigating their own devastating losses. Twenty-six homes were destroyed. Dozens more were left unlivable. Over 1,100 power lines were down.

In the midst of cleanup efforts, tragedy struck again when a volunteer lost their life after being hit by debris.

The heaviness in the community was undeniable.

When students finally returned to school, many carried fear, grief, and uncertainty with them.

That’s when the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry stepped in.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eternity and and Magdalene (Cornerstone - Carmel, Indiana) visited Lake Village Elementary in Lake Village, IN, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel - Valparaiso, Indiana), Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), and Michael (LCC Staff) were present at Lincoln Elementary. 

Moments That Matter

Throughout the day, small moments carried enormous meaning.

Two young girls whose home had been hit smiled as they gently petted the dogs.

A third-grade boy, after spending time with them, declared:
“This is the best day ever!”

One handler described the day in a single word:
“Uplifting—to see so many people smiling in the face of adversity.”

Another chose the word:
“Supportiveness.”

They witnessed teachers delivering food and milk to families, checking in on students, and supporting one another in the days after the storm.

They saw students doing the same—comforting friends, sharing stories, and showing deep care for those who had lost more.

Resilience in Its Purest Form

“I was most impressed with the resilience of the children,” one team member shared. “Despite the recent tragedies, most of the kids seemed happy to be back at school with their friends—and grateful for the comfort dogs.”

Even students who hadn’t experienced damage themselves were deeply aware of others.

“They almost all knew someone who did,” a handler noted. “And they were very concerned for them.”

One young boy, hesitant at first, didn’t want to interact with the dogs. But later, when his class returned, he sat on the floor. A Comfort Dog named Michael gently placed his head on the boy’s knee.

That was all it took.

“He was a happy camper.”

A Quiet Moment of Healing

One of the most powerful moments came from a quiet fifth-grade boy.

At first, he stood at a distance while others gathered around the dogs. He left—but then returned. And then came back again.

Finally, he stepped into the circle of students, sat down, and wrapped his arms around two Comfort Dogs—pulling them close and holding them there.

No words.
No explanations.
Just a moment of healing.

“He stayed with them for a very long time,” the handler shared.

Unity in the Midst of Loss

Another word used to describe the day:
“Unity.”

“The school, the community showed amazing unity,” one handler reflected. “It was refreshing to be a part of people loving on people.”

In classrooms and hallways, students hugged one another, shared laughter, and told stories—small but powerful signs that healing had already begun.

The Work Continues

The road to recovery will be long for these communities.

Homes must be rebuilt. Lives must be pieced back together. Grief must be processed.

But they are not alone.

Lutheran Church Charities’ Disaster Response teams will continue clearing debris and walking alongside families. Comfort Dog teams will continue bringing calm, connection, and moments of peace.

Because long after the storm has passed, the need remains.

And so does the response.

Last week, three Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) members from Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle, IL, traveled to Spartanburg, SC, to meet with local agencies and assess ongoing recovery needs nearly a year and a half after Hurricane Helene. Their visit followed a conversation with Sally Hiller, Southeastern District Disaster Response Coordinator (SED DDRC), at the LCMS Disaster Conference in September 2025, which highlighted that significant unmet needs still remain.

While in Spartanburg, the team met with Lilia Millner from Spartanburg County’s Recovery Mitigation Team and Mayana from SCOR (South Carolina Office of Resilience). These agencies work at the federal level to provide disaster case management. They shared that long-term recovery is expected to continue through 2030, with approximately 300 homeowners still needing some form of assistance. Current needs range widely and include chainsaw work, removal of fallen trees and root balls, major mold remediation, home rebuilding and repairs, replacement of household items, heating and air conditioning sources, wheelchair ramps, and more.

Lilia identified three specific homeowners whose houses are nearly complete, thanks to volunteer Mennonite construction crews and the Salvation Army, which is providing appliances and beds. However, additional support is still needed to help these families fully transition back home. This includes household supplies such as kitchenware, linens, and basic furnishings. The Trinity team met with each homeowner to better understand their individual situations and to develop detailed wish lists.

Trinity Lutheran’s congregation and LERT volunteers will work to help meet these needs so the families can move back into their newly rebuilt homes by the end of March.

Lilia also noted that Southeastern District LERT’s chainsaw and construction work has been “a godsend,” while emphasizing that much more work remains. Lutheran Church Charities will continue conversations with these agency partners, along with Sally Hiller, SED DDRC, to explore how they can further collaborate to support families affected by Hurricane Helene in both North and South Carolina.

When Loss Strikes

Daniel Kevin “Danny” Bayles was an energetic 11-year-old who lit up every room he entered. A beloved Sunday School student at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Lenox, IL, Danny’s sudden death from an unexpected medical issue left his family and community in shock. For the town of Manhattan, Illinois, grief was immediate and overwhelming.

In these moments of heartache, the presence of compassion can make the unbearable a little more bearable. For Danny’s family and friends, that compassion came in the form of Michael, Jael, and Caleb—the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs—and the dedicated volunteers of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT).

Comfort in Motion

Pastor Doug Hoag requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs for Danny’s wake and funeral. But the sheer scale of the anticipated attendance required more than dogs alone. The Southwest Suburban Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) was called in to assist with logistics, crowd management, and spiritual care. Some LERT members, trained in Spiritual First Aid, worked side by side with the comfort dogs' teams to meet both practical and emotional needs.

Handlers with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb, Jael, and Michael recall powerful, quiet moments: Danny’s grandmother sitting on the floor, surrounded by the gentle presence of the Comfort Dogs, finding solace in their warmth. Children, uncertain and grieving, would pause on their way to the snack room to pet a dog, allowing a moment of comfort to soothe their hearts. One handler said, “Like God is always there for us, the dogs were there for them to bring them comfort.”

A Community Comes Together

LERT volunteers coordinated overflow parking, shuttle buses, and the post-service luncheon, working alongside church members to ensure every aspect of the funeral and reception was handled with care. Team members—Michelle Buell, Tom Buell, Mike Voight, Jennifer Kojro-Badziak and family, Jenny Kwasniewski, Mike Hemme, Kim Blecke, Deaconess Barb Hemme, and Team Lead Mark Razny—demonstrated how collaboration multiplies comfort.

Just four days later, Manhattan faced another heartbreaking loss when Chance Hunnicutt was killed in a bicycle accident. Grief rippled across the community, and a support network called “Manhattan Strong” formed to aid both families.

A Unique Partnership in Ministry

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs trained to provide comfort, LERT volunteers trained to provide spiritual and practical care, and congregations ready to support—all working together to meet the deep needs of a hurting community. Their partnership turns tragedy into an opportunity for connection, faith, and healing.

St. John Wheaton, IL, Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers spent this past weekend working at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Hillside, IL. Using the Nifty Lift 64, they removed numerous broken and hanging limbs, while others trimmed and cleared overgrown evergreens and small trees that had been covering tombstones and pathways.
 
With the help of a bobcat and tractor, the team filled a 24-foot dump trailer with cut wood and branches, which was hauled away three times throughout the day. Volunteers also straightened tombstones that had shifted during past lawn maintenance.
 
Over the past several months, Byron Heidorn and Rich Wren have dedicated a few hours each week to clearing brush and realigning rows of tombstones. They organized this larger workday to tackle the bigger projects that remained.
 
Immanuel Lutheran Church expressed heartfelt gratitude for the volunteers’ dedication to beautifying the cemetery and making it a safe, peaceful place for visitors. They extend their deep appreciation and blessings to the following LERT volunteers: Kristin Bilar, Steve Chester, Byron and Carol Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Anna Piro, Dave Schlesselman, Christopher and Ethan Williams, and Rich Wren.
 
The team is already planning another workday to remove additional hanging limbs from two more trees using the lift and to continue straightening rows of tombstones.