LCC Disaster Response Assists Homeowners in Northern Illinois with Property Recovery from Strong Storms and Tornado Damage

Fourteen Tornadoes Resulted in One Death, Multiple Injuries,
and Extensive Property Damage

After collaboration with local Emergency Management officials and an in-person National Weather Service Damage Survey, it has been determined that fourteen tornadoes along with a 70-90 mph wind event devastated the Northern Illinois District last Thursday, March 30.

This same storm system caused 84 tornadoes, 325 wind, and 168 hail events in 8 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response is working through the LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere, Illinois. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and L.E.R.T. chainsaw volunteers have been busy assessing damage and serving affected residents in several hard-hit communities, especially in Belvidere, Illinois. Belvidere had a 100 mph tornado, 900 yards wide, that traveled 27 miles resulting in one death, multiple injuries, and extensive property damage.

This week, Rev. Dr. Allan Buss, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Northern Illinois District President, and Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President / CEO, visited homeowner sites and met with the volunteers to thank them for serving. They also met with residents sharing the hope of Jesus Christ during this Holy Week.

Assisting Multiple Neighbors with Property Damage
LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers worked on one block for two days serving five different homeowners that each had multiple large pine trees leaning or downed on their properties. Each of these families were very appreciative to have willing hands and hearts to work hard to make their homes safe again.

Helping a Young Family with Large Tree Removal
LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers helped a member of Immanuel DeKalb with a large tree on their roof and in their yard.
 
This young family is facing multiple serious health issues and felt so blessed to have the support and assistance to make their home safe at no cost to them.
 
They truly believe that God is with them and will provide for their needs as they arise.

Serving a Daughter and Parent with a Disability

LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers came to the aid of a daughter and a parent with a disability. A tree had fallen and blocked access to their home via the wheelchair ramp.

She was very grateful for the help to get this removed so they could enter and exit their home safely.

She was also very happy to receive a cross on a slice from their tree to share with family. It seemed very appropriate and special this Holy Week.

LCC Disaster Response Invited to Help with Catastrophic Tornado Recovery in Little Rock, Arkansas

After completing recovery efforts in Northern Illinois, LCC Disaster Response has been invited by Rev. Ross Johnson, LCMS Director of Disaster Response, and Jan Simko, LCMS Mid-South District Disaster Response Coordinator, to assist with catastrophic tornado recovery in Little Rock, Arkansas.

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!

If you are so moved, please donate to the LCC Disaster Response Fund or LCC Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

DONATE — LCC MAINTENANCE & FUEL EXPENSE FUND

Please pray for all of the communities affected by these devastating tornadoes, including the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff that help during the long recovery process.
 
LCC works in coordination with LCMS Disaster Response national and local districts of the LCMS.