Dr. Fontaine contacted Jan Boerman, Trinity Lisle team leader, to ask if any other assistance could possibly be provided to her students. She stated that many of these children are in desperate need of shoes and socks. She asked if it would be possible to provide a Walmart gift card for each student to purchase these needed items.

Through your generous donations, Lutheran Church Charities was able to support the Trinity Lisle LERT team in the purchasing and delivering of gift cards to Pastor Paul McComack to give to Dr. Fontaine for her students. Many of these students will now be receiving new shoes and socks for Christmas.

There were approximately 150 attendees from many states and districts. All heard updates, progress made, and current needs from all the areas that have been affected by disasters in 2017 and 2018. There were many informative disaster response topics presented, times to worship together, and good networking among attendees. It was a good opportunity to hear how we can show the mercy and presence of Jesus Christ to those in need all around the country affected by disaster.

Ed Boerman, Lutheran Church Charities Chainsaw Instructor/ISA Certified Arborist, and Derek Kowalczyk, Rigging & Climbing Instructor, developed the LCC LERT manual and trainings for Boom Lift Operation and Safety and Rigging & Knots. A total of 17 advanced chainsaw LERT volunteers attended the 2 day extensive trainings to be able to safely operate the boom lift and serve as ground crew when it is in use.

Lutheran Church Charities also purchased the recommended safety equipment that will remain with the lift for operators to use. This includes safety harnesses with fall protection, lanyards, two-way radio headset communication system, and a first aid kit with trauma packs. Each operator and ground crew will also have their own personal protection equipment, chainsaws and ropes to use.  

When disasters strike, Lutheran Church Charities has 382 LERT certified chainsaw operators in the Northern Illinois District to respond quickly to serve those affected and to deploy to other districts as called upon after a disaster. They currently bring chainsaws, wedges, spring poles, rigging equipment, safety harnesses, and miscellaneous power and heavy equipment. Now they will be able to bring the boom lift as well.

All of these trained LERT team volunteers respond with the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those affected by extensive tree damage from a storm, tornado, or hurricane. Please prayerfully consider donating to help LCC Disaster Response support homeowners following a disaster. 

Prospect Heights Mayor Nicholas Helmer asked Lutheran Church Charities to help provide support to these families and over 150 first responders from 50 local departments who bravely responded to the fire. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs always bring relief to all of the first responders. They also continue to bring comfort and hope to the distraught families

The cost of a new boom lift is $38,000. A boom lift would allow the LERT chainsaw operator to control their workspace in tight or hard-to-reach areas and to cross over or around obstacles and work hazards when removing damaged tree limbs. Please consider donating towards a boom lift to help LCC Disaster Response support homeowners after a disaster.

Your donation will enable LCC LERT volunteers to continue professional and safe disaster response services to those in need

In order to provide a much safer and efficient way to clear damage following disasters, it is becoming increasingly apparent that a boom lift is greatly needed for extensive tree removal. It would allow the LERT chainsaw operator to control their workspace in tight or hard-to-reach areas, and to cross over or around obstacles and work hazards when removing damaged limbs or trees that are high above the ground. It would complete the process of providing a safe and well done job for a homeowner.  

Ed Boerman, Lutheran Church Charities Chainsaw Instructor and ISA Certified Arborist, has proposed the purchase of a new Boom Lift at a cost of $33,400. It comes with hydraulic outriggers and automatic leveling to allow operation in under 30 seconds. It can be towed by anyone with a standard half-ton pickup truck. It will come with the necessary safety harnesses and upon delivery training will be provided. This investment will benefit many churches and homeowners as LCC LERT teams continue to offer a professional and safe means of providing disaster response services to those in need.
 
Please prayerful consider donating to help LCC Disaster Response support homeowners following a disaster.