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

Thirteen Work Sites Completed with Many Multi-Day Jobs Due to 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 on 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 worked 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 LCC L.E.R.T. chainsaw volunteers completed work at thirteen sites in Belvidere, Cortland, and Carpentersville, with many being multi-day jobs due to the number of trees downed, damaged, and technical skills required to safely remove them.

The site many L.E.R.T. volunteers worked on the most over several days were two neighbors. They had multiple leaning and downed trees between their homes and on their property. One neighbor was a new homeowner, and the other was a L.E.R.T. team member. Both said they felt overwhelmed by the unexpected devastation and how all of the trees would be removed safely.
 
The L.E.R.T. team member said being on the receiving end of help and care was very different. The new homeowner couldn’t believe that we would spend several days working on just their home and showing her Christ’s love and care. She hugged many volunteers and cried tears of relief at how she was blessed by all.

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Lutheran Church Charities would also like to thank Kenny Freeman for allowing the Immanuel, Belvidere L.E.R.T. team to use his bobcat last week and David Gallano of Gallano Trucking for picking up and disposing of all of the cut wood and brush from four homes after the county said they would not pick up storm damaged trees.

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.