“You’re the Lift Team—Thank You!”

From clearing dangerous debris to restoring spirits, LERT volunteers—and Comfort Dogs—became part of the community they came to serve.

HELP LCC BE THERE — TORNADO RECOVERY FUND

A Week of Service and Impact in Lena, Illinois

Twenty-two LERT volunteers, alongside Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, assessed 29 sites and completed work at 23 homes in Lena, Illinois over the course of the week. Their efforts brought both physical relief and emotional encouragement to residents recovering from the tornado’s aftermath.

Pastor Jason Shaw of St. John’s in Lena shared his sincere gratitude and blessings for the team’s service at his home and throughout the community. Appreciation was echoed by many residents who encountered the volunteers working across town.

Removing Danger, Restoring Safety

One team tackled a massive 40-foot-tall, 36-inch-diameter pine trunk left standing after the storm. Volunteers also cleared numerous hazardous “widow makers” from homeowners’ yards.

A young mother expressed deep relief, explaining how difficult it had been to keep her children indoors, unable to play outside due to the risk of falling limbs.

At another home, volunteers removed several damaged evergreens. The homeowner, who is ill, spent time sitting on his bench watching the work and speaking with volunteers. While he called them a blessing, his presence and gratitude were equally uplifting to the team. To God be the glory.

Complex Work, Grateful Hearts

Crews worked extensively at Pastor Shaw’s property, clearing fallen trees along a creek. A specialized lift team removed a suspended limb, a dangling trunk, and a hollow split tree—serious hazards that could have caused significant harm.

At another site, a large topped pine tree was cleared from a children’s play area. Both families expressed heartfelt thanks for the care and professionalism shown. One homeowner even shared a poem about community, saying the volunteers had become part of her “village.”

In one backyard bordering a tornado-damaged school, volunteers removed 14 damaged trees. Though the homeowner mourned the loss of his trees, he remained grateful his family was safe.

A Community That Notices

During the final day in Lena, volunteers completed a technically demanding lift operation requiring careful rigging. All dangerous limbs were safely removed, bringing peace of mind to the homeowner.

The community’s appreciation was evident everywhere—even at a local gas station, where a cashier recognized the team and said, “You’re the lift team! Thank you so much for what you are doing here!” The warmth and gratitude of Lena residents made the experience especially meaningful for the volunteers.

Comfort Dogs Bring Calm and Connection in Lena Schools

In addition to cleanup efforts, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry served students and staff across Lena schools, meeting at Lena Elementary before deploying to the elementary, junior high, and high school campuses.

Teams included Bethesda (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, IL), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, IL) at the elementary school; Gethsemane and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, IL) at the junior high; and Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, WI), Shadrach (Prince of Peace - Palatine, IL), and Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI) at the high school. School counselor Lauren Dick shared, “Please send our deepest gratitude to all of the comfort dog teams… all of the kids truly loved it and I really think it made such a difference having them present with us.”

At the junior high, one student arrived frightened and in tears but धीरे warmed up, eventually sitting for over an hour with Gethsemane curled beside her, finding comfort after her home had been damaged. Another student, focused on helping a friend during the storm, returned later noticeably lighter after spending time with the dogs.

At the high school, students supported one another while also taking time to connect with the Comfort Dogs. One quiet student, who had waited off to the side, simply wanted to share a picture of his own dog—an interaction that meant just as much as any words.

At the elementary school, a tearful student was gently brought by a teacher to sit with Mary Comfort Dog. Surrounded by friends and comforted by the dog’s presence, her tears soon faded. Across all المدارس, the presence of the Comfort Dogs created moments of peace, connection, and healing.

Compassion Beyond the Cleanup

In one particularly moving case, volunteers assisted a homeowner who had lost six trees, including cherished fruit trees. She shared her heartbreak—not only over the loss but also due to financial strain after her husband’s recent layoff and ongoing insurance struggles.

After completing the work, the team surprised her with a new apple tree and a plum tree—the same variety she had used for a cherished family recipe. Overcome with emotion, she shared that she would remember the team’s kindness every time the trees bloomed.

Extending the Mission to Roscoe

LCC LERT volunteers, joined by Jason Johnson, LCC Regional Crisis Director – West Coast, began serving in Roscoe out of St. Andrew’s in Rockton, Illinois. This community was also impacted by the tornado that struck on Friday, April 17. Teams quickly got to work, serving at multiple sites and helping homeowners remove storm-damaged trees and debris. At each location, families expressed sincere gratitude as their properties were made safe again—many relieved to no longer worry about additional damage or injury from unstable limbs.

Work continued with two small teams serving at three additional sites, where both physical labor and compassionate listening made a meaningful difference. One homeowner, Mrs. K., had six trees blown down, including beloved fruit trees she had nurtured for years. A self-described “tree hugger,” she was deeply emotional over the loss and shared that her family had already been under strain due to her husband being laid off for two months. With ongoing insurance challenges adding to their burden, the loss felt overwhelming.

The team worked efficiently to remove the fallen trees, helping restore order to her yard. But the most meaningful moment came afterward. During prayer and a group photo, volunteers surprised her with a new apple tree and a plum tree to replant. Overcome with emotion, she shared that the plum tree was the same variety she once used to make a cherished family recipe of plum dumplings. She expressed joy and gratitude, saying she would think of the team each year when the trees bloomed.

Moments like these reflect the heart of the mission—going beyond cleanup to truly care for those affected. Every family served in Roscoe expressed heartfelt thanks, not only for the skilled work, but for the kindness, compassion, and hope restored through simple, thoughtful acts.

Serving with Purpose

From clearing dangerous debris to restoring hope in small but meaningful ways, the volunteers’ work went far beyond physical labor. Whether through skilled chainsaw work or the quiet presence of a Comfort Dog, lives were touched in lasting ways.

Every family and student served expressed sincere gratitude—not just for the help received, but for the compassion shown.

HELP LCC BE THERE — TORNADO RECOVERY FUND