LERT crews assist across Northern Illinois District

Complex, all-day chainsaw and rigging work done at Wunders Cemetery

Last week, several sites were completed around the Northern Illinois District from ongoing storms in June and early July.

A team of LERT volunteers served at Wunders Cemetery, which is part of the First St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago. This was an all-day project removing an extremely large tree that had fallen onto the caretaker’s jeep and maintenance building during strong straight-line winds on June 10. It was a complicated and technical job requiring the 50-foot boom lift, multiple rigging techniques, and careful sawing from the chainsaw crew. At day's end, the tree was safely removed without causing any further damage to the building and grounds. “Their willingness to serve in a professional manner and respectful of the cemetery grounds was greatly appreciated by all cemetery and church staff,” said Deaconess Kathy O’Day, Director of LCC Disaster Response.

Cleaning up large tree damage at St. Matthew Chicago

Three LERT volunteers removed a large tree that was damaged on June 10 from straight line winds at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Chicago, which also houses the soup kitchen. At the ​time of the storm, a large limb fell onto the church’s fence, blocking part of the sidewalk, and striking a parked car. Pastor Caesar Sifuentes expressed his thanks for the assistance in making the church property safe again for those coming for services and meals. He sincerely thanked each of the men and fed them lunch when they were done.

Volunteers remove storm-damaged limbs at Trinity Lisle

Another four LERT volunteers also removed two fallen trees at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle, IL after storms over the holiday weekend. Their work is also greatly appreciated.

IN, IL towns express thanks to LCC for storm aid ​

Leaders in the communities of Streator, IL, and Merrillville, IN, sent thank you messages to Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response this week, expressing deep gratitude for the compassion and assistance provided after the multi-vortex tornadoes in June. The letters pointed out the resources provided, donations made, cleanup work completed, and families supported. "Disasters often reveal the true character of a community, and your willingness to step forward demonstrates kindness, selflessness, and a commitment to others," Mayor Tara Bedei of Streator said. ​