LCC'S DISASTER RESPONSE VOLUNTEERS ASSIST HOMEOWNERS AND MINISTRIES IN THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT AFFECTED BY STORMS

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

DONATE - LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

DONATE - DISASTER RESPONSE EQUIPMENT & FUEL EXPENSE FUND

When disaster strikes, it can be overwhelming to pick up the pieces. Last week, the entire Northern Illinois District (NID) was affected by a derecho producing 70-110 mph winds, 39 tornadoes (with the NWS still surveying), and severe storms. On Monday evening, the derecho traveled 394 miles and, at times, was 60 miles wide across eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, and northwest Indiana. All of this caused widespread power outages that lasted for many days, and a large path of uprooted and damaged trees and limbs, as well as some structural damage to homes and businesses in many towns.

Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, Jamie Miller, LCC DR Equipment Manager, Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders, and volunteers have been assessing damage and providing assistance to homeowners since last Tuesday with chainsaws, boom lifts, and heavy equipment. They have worked through Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Elburn, Illinois, completing 18 sites, including several homes that were multi-day jobs due to the extent of the damage and at Walcamp. The LCC LERT teams will continue to serve next week until the requests for assistance are completed.

Working Together to Make a Difference

Northern Illinois and the South Wisconsin District LERT volunteers partnered to work at two sites in Janesville, Wisconsin. One of the sites required the new Nifty Lift 64 to remove multiple widow-makers (hazardous hanging branches caught high in the treetops) from four trees. The homeowner had surgery right before the storms, so she could not do any cleanup and was grateful for all of the help, mercy, and compassion shown to her.

Bringing Relief to a Family with Significant Property Damage

The LERT volunteers brought relief to another family in need. Mr. and Mrs. B had their car and garage crushed by a large tree, and their home was damaged by a fallen tree from a neighbor's yard.

Thankfully, LERT volunteers were able to carefully remove all of the debris in just three days, using their professional skills and equipment. Mr. and Mrs. B were grateful for our volunteers' willingness to return each day until the work was done - something they could not afford or do on their own.

Our volunteers' compassionate approach and experienced sawyers made all the difference in restoring their home to safety.

Twenty-Five LERT Volunteers Make Walcamp Safe to Reopen This Week

On Saturday, 25 LERT volunteers worked at clearing downed and damaged trees and widow makers from Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois, a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCSM) Recognized Service Organization (RSO).

The team also removed a tree that had fallen into a trailer located in the family camp area. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the camp can now safely reopen this week.

We are honored to have been able to lend a helping hand and grateful for the opportunity to serve. Bill Indelli, Walcamp Director, expressed his heartfelt thanks to LCC and the LERT volunteers for their hard work, willingness, and dedication to serving when and wherever needed

Inspiring the Next Generation of Helpers

Our LERT volunteers are not only making a difference in the lives of families affected by natural disasters, but they are also inspiring the next generation of helpers!

At another site, a young boy watched with excitement as our volunteers worked to remove broken limbs from a tree. He wanted to help out too! Our volunteers were patient and allowed him to participate, encouraging him every step of the way.

The joy on his face was contagious, and everyone present was touched by his willingness to serve.

My dad Bill Alar was part of the Lord of Life LERT group. He started the group with Larry. My dad loved being able to help others. Unfortunately, we lost him very unexpectedly 2 years ago. He never would have imagined the LERT crew coming to save us. I didn't even have to reach out for help. At 5:00 a.m., the next day Ken Johnston sent me a message telling us not to worry because LERT was already on it. Within a few hours, Larry was here to get things rolling. The amazing group of people have worked incredibly hard all week long. There aren't enough or the right words to thank everyone. It was truly a blessing. - Jen Alar

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 - DISASTER RESPONSE EQUIPMENT & FUEL EXPENSE FUND