LCC Disaster Response Completes 24 Homeowner Damaged Sites in 14 Communities in 10 Days from Tornadoes and Storms throughout Northern Illinois

On Monday, August 9, and continuing for several hours, strong storms with torrential downpours produced a confirmed ten tornadoes, four of them in Sycamore, as part of an outbreak of severe weather in the Illinois counties of DeKalb and Kane. Then, from August 10 through August 12, all of northern Illinois experienced severe storms with 50 – 70 mph winds, causing widespread tree and home damage.

Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and several LCC Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) chainsaw leaders began assessing damage in many communities each day, while other L.E.R.T. teams provided chainsaw assistance. In 10 days, we completed 24 sites in 14 different communities with 66 volunteers.

Serving Families in Sycamore with Extensive Property Damage

The tornado did extensive property damage to Mr. and Mrs. L’s current farmhouse and the brand new home they were building. There were many downed and damaged trees on their 5-acre property and farmland.

There were also two other homes with horse barns across the street on several acres that also had major damage. One of the homes had a large tree fall through the roof into the 2nd floor of the home. Every evergreen tree on both properties had been uprooted and twisted.

These three sites required chainsaws, heavy equipment, and the boom lift in operation for seven days. Scott, one of the homeowners, had his entire family working with us each day so that his kids would see volunteers joyfully serving them and their neighbors in their time of need.

These families have been overwhelmed with the amount of damage. They are so appreciative of all of the assistance and care showed to them.

Helping Son Care for Elderly Parents Damaged Property

Sam received a frantic call from his elderly and disabled parents after strong winds blew over a large neighbor’s tree onto their garage, workshop, and yard, as well as pulled live wires into their property. Although they were grateful the tree and wires did not hit their home, they did not know how they would clean up all of the damage.

Sam worked with the L.E.R.T. team, cutting the large limbs from the roof and yard. His mom and dad sat in the yard and watched all of the work being done. She kept praising God for the angels he brought to help them. When the team was finished, she gave all hugs, blew kisses, and said a blessing.

Lutheran Church Charities also extends many thanks to the 66 volunteers that have come from the following 26 Lutheran churches in Illinois and Wisconsin:

Illinois:
Cross – Yorkville
Good Shepherd – Elgin
Good Shepherd – Frankfort
Immanuel – Belvidere
Immanuel – Crystal Lake
Immanuel – DeKalb
Immanuel – Dundee
Immanuel – Palatine
Lord of Life – LaFox
Mt. Olive – Rockford
Peace – Lombard
Prince of Peace – Palatine
Shepherd of the Hills – McHenry

Wisconsin:
St. Paul – Janesville

St. John – Elgin
St. John – Sycamore
St. John – Union
St. John – Wheaton
St. John – Wilmette
St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods
St. Peter – Arlington Heights
St. Peter – Gilberts
St. Peter – Schaumburg
Trinity – Lisle
Trinity – Roselle
Trinity – Villa Park

The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or 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.

Your prayers, support, and involvement help Make A Difference – in the name of Jesus to those in need.

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE & FUEL EXPENSE FUND