Huntley Storm Tuesday Night - LCC Disaster Response Responds Wednesday Morning with Boots on the Ground and Continue to Work Each Day

During the evening on Tuesday, September 25, a fast-moving, severe storm hit the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Hit hard with 70 mph winds was the village of Huntley, leaving a devastation of downed trees and power outages.

Wednesday morning, LCC President /CEO Tim Hetzner, Disaster Response Director Kathy O’Day, and LERT chainsaw team leader Derek Kowalczyk arrived in Huntley to begin damage assessment. LCC was invited by Pastor Robert Hoffman from Trinity Lutheran in Huntley. Pastor Hoffman connected LCC with multiple families needing assistance.

Early Thursday morning, eleven LCC LERT team members arrived with hands, boots and the heart of Jesus to begin working on 5 job sites in Huntley.

video footage of storm damage

Bessie

An elderly woman named Bessie was just about to sign the work order with a tree company that would have cost her $3,000 to remove downed trees on her property when she connected with Kathy O’Day who offered her assistance. Bessie is a neighbor of a member from Trinity Lutheran Church who asked LCC to help alleviate the financial burden. “I can’t believe you will do this for free,” said Bessie. “Thank you, thank you!”

Larry

Larry is 83 years old and on oxygen. You couldn’t even see his house because of all of the fallen trees. While LCC LERT team members worked in his front yard, Larry sat bundled up on the porch to watch smiling and in amazement of the clean-up effort. “I can’t believe this; this is so wonderful,” said Larry. Whenever the LERT team members took a water break, they would sit on the porch and visit with Larry who just kept thanking them.

LCC LERT teams were able to finish 3 job sites on Thursday. Teams will continue to deploy on Friday and Saturday to work on 12 more sites with more requests for assistance anticipated.

Lutheran Church Charities and our LERT teams continue to show the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. Your donations will directly assist individuals and families affected by the storm in Huntley and its surrounding community.

Thank you for all of your support in touching lives with the Presence of Jesus Christ – our only hope.
Peace in Jesus Christ,

Tim Hetzner
President / CEO
Lutheran Church Charities

Donate - Northern Illinois District - Disaster Relief Fund