LUTHERAN EARLY RESPONSE TEAMS (LERT) DISPLAY MERCY IN ACTION

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response was invited by the Mayor of Woodridge, Illinois, Gina Cunningham, and Mr. Dan Hecht, case manager, to serve alongside Woodridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors to offer assistance to families finally able to move back into their condominiums that were damaged in the Woodridge-Naperville tornado in June 2021.
 
On Saturday, Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) volunteers completed handyman projects for residents and helped move household items. The Trinity Lutheran LERT team from Lisle, Illinois, serviced breakfast and a hot lunch to residents and volunteers.
 
Mayor Cunningham and Mr. Hecht expressed their deep appreciation for our continued willingness to assist the residents of their community in their ongoing tornado recovery. Many residents thanked the team for the meals and help they received in their homes. Although the size of the projects varied, the servant hearts and hands were well received by all.

The following LERT volunteers served with joy:
 
Trinity, Lisle

• Tim Blake, Jan Boerman, Dale and Beth Durfey, Marge Franzen. Darlene King, Jim and Vicki Reuter, Ed Schwartz, Skip and Karen Sorenson, Kent Worrell

 
St. Paul Rockford

• Greg and Sue Smith
  

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This week, our dedicated St. John Wheaton Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers showcased the true spirit of community support as they helped a family affected by a July derecho. Working hand in hand with Commonwealth Edison Electric Co., they ensured the safe removal of a massive 75-foot tree that had caused significant damage.
 
The family's heartfelt gratitude was evident as they provided coffee, donuts, and lunch for the team, highlighting the bond forged through acts of kindness. This collaboration not only restored safety to their home but also reinforced our commitment to compassionate service during times of crisis.
 
The following LERT volunteers from St. John, Wheaton, served with joy: Byron Heidorn, Marty Johnson, Jim Long, Dave Mummah, Anna Piro, Rich Wren
 
Your support can make a difference—join us in our mission to uplift those in need, whether through volunteering or contributing to our cause.

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND