Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Volunteers Respond Quickly to Serve Homeowners and Churches in Northern Illinois with Tornado Recovery Efforts

On Tuesday, February 27, the National Weather Service confirmed that northern Illinois was struck by 11 EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes and 60-80 mph straight-line winds. This resulted in widespread damage to trees, roofs, and property in many towns. Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response reached out to the churches in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Northern Illinois District (NID) and local Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leaders to report and assess damage for assistance.

Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and 25 NID LERT chainsaw, lift, and equipment volunteers completed work at 14 sites in South Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Maple Park, and Palatine, with several being two-day jobs due to the number of trees downed, damaged and the technical skills required to safely remove.

In South Barrington, LERT volunteers worked at seven homes in one circle block. The homeowners were so thankful for the assistance. One posted on the LCC Disaster Response Facebook page, “My husband and I are eternally grateful to the men and women that came out to assist us. They were all so kind and compassionate. Thank you all for the amazing work you are doing!”

In Hoffman Estates, LERT volunteers worked at the home of a recent widow and stroke survivor who had an uprooted pine tree in her front yard and a very large topped oak tree in her back yard. The team had to fell the remaining 15-foot trunk and remove numerous fallen limbs. She couldn’t believe that we would so willingly do all of this and at no cost. She was in tears when presented with a cross from her tree and thanked everyone present for their care and hard work. 

A very large and diseased pine tree was topped and needed to be felled for safety reasons at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Palatine. The church's LERT team took care of this to make the grounds safe and received thanks for their willing service.

Lutheran Church Charities LERT volunteers will continue to be available to assist homeowners who have damage from these storms. Please pray for all of the communities affected by these devastating storms, including the LCC Disaster Response volunteers and staff that help during the recovery process.

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 so that we can BE THERE to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

DONATE - LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND