LCC Disaster Response

09/05/2026

Today two small teams each worked at a different site. The lift volunteers removed hanging limbs from the yard of one of their own team neighbors. The other removed a large downed tree from their trampoline in their backyard. Both homeowners were thankful for the assistance on this hot day in making their property safe again for their kids to play.

During this sixth week of disaster response, 20 LERT volunteers completed seven sites totaling another 155 volunteer hours. We are still receiving requests for assistance from local churches and congregation members. We are taking a break for the holiday but will be serving again next week.

09/03/2026

Today 16 LERT volunteers willingly worked all day in very hot temperatures, completing three large sites with a skid steer, two mini-bobcats, a tractor w/grapple and a 64’ lift. The lift team finished day three at the Oak Glen Cemetery. Pastor Reese came to the cemetery to thank each volunteer serving today. Trinity Lansing posted on their Fb page: We continue to give thanks and praise to God for LCC Disaster Response and their volunteers! They have returned several times to continue the storm clean up in Oak Glen Lutheran Cemetery. We cannot thank you enough!

Another team helped a congregation member remove several uprooted and damaged trees from around his pool and large yard. He couldn’t believe that we cleaned up his yard in a 3 hours. He thought he would be doing it himself for weeks after work each day. He thanked each volunteer and expressed how much a blessing we were to him. This same team moved after lunch to work across the street from the cemetery at the Freedom Church removing a very large uprooted tree with a 6’ trunk diameter from their property. We had to put all of the cut wood over a guard rail and then with another bobcat move the wood and brush to the curb.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed an ice cream break in the middle of the day too!

09/02/2026

The lift team worked at a congregation member’s home with several dangerous hanging limbs over their front patio and roof. The homeowners have not been able to use their front door or deck since the storm as they were afraid these limbs would fall and injure someone. They also had two large wishbone looking hangers in a back yard tree that were removed as well. They expressed their sincere gratitude to the team for making their home and property safe again. We were glad to be able to help them and ease their worries.

09/01/2026

Today the LCC LERT volunteers worked at removing several hanging limbs and a damaged tree with the 64’ boom lift and rigging. The homeowners appreciated the work done to make their home safe. Thankfully the rain held off all day so could get this completely done.

08/29/2026

Today LCC DR finished week 5 of serving in the Northern Illinois District from tornadoes and the derecho. We were able to complete 26 sites this week totaling 670 volunteer hours. Our work is not done, but this week we had great help from 45 local and out of district/state LERT volunteers that were graciously hosted and fed by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Frankfort and other local LCMS churches and housed at Camp Manitoqua. We could not have done all we did this week without all of this support. We have had beautiful weather this week as well for working every day.

The Lord’s hand was certainly evident this week in bringing homeowner requests for assistance just as we would finish a site, to having the right equipment available for the job needing to be done, to providing the presence and hope of Christ to hurting and healing people and communities. We have heard many thanks for sending angels to help. It has been and will continue to be a blessing to serve. To God give the Glory!

08/28/2026

What a day! We served at eight homes today. One team was at St. Paul Cemetery and parsonage in Beecher clearing several fallen trees on the property. Then brothers who owned a farm across the street asked if they could possibly have some assistance. They had done quite a bit themselves but could no longer continue on their own as it was all beyond what they could have ever handled. They worked alongside the team and everyone enjoyed talking to them and hearing their life stories. Another team had to use the lift and technical rigging skills with mechanical advantages in order to safely bring some tall broken trees down safely. We are grateful for all of the skilled chainsaw volunteers who are so willing to use their training, talents and compassion of Christ to serve those in need.

08/27/2026

Today 23 LERT volunteers served at three different sites and towns. The first group was at Trinity’s Oak Glen Cemetery in Lansing clearing several large uprooted trees over tombstones and roads. We will need to return to do lift work, but much was done and greatly appreciated. The church graciously brought lunch for the team today. The second group removed several large fallen tree limbs and a downed tree off Mr. D’s barn without causing more damage that was already done. He also had other uprooted trees and limbs in his back and front yard. His family was so pleased that we could do this for them, as the quote for the work was not something they could ever afford. The team also helped his neighbor with several limbs. The third group removed a very dangerous hanger over a shed with the lift. All of these jobs required special equipment and technical skills to make each of these properties safe. It has been very good to have such willing hands and hearts to serve.

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

Today 22 LERT volunteers worked at two sites. A few people finished removing a few more dangerous broken trees and hanging limbs at Camp Manitoqua.

Everyone else worked at the home of an elderly widow on her 3 acre property. She had at least 40+ trees either uprooted, hanging and/or broken all over her property. We used a skid steer and two mini-bobcats to move all of the wood and brush on to two large burn piles. Mrs. T. watched everyone all day and kept saying to all how grateful she was and that she couldn’t believe how it was all done in a day. She loved having everyone at her home, talking and visiting with her. She also loved seeing everyone smiles all day even though it was a hard and long day. She told us she was truly blessed by all of us angels! It is a privilege to serve!

08/25/2026

Today 22 LERT volunteers started our 5th week of disaster response in the Northern Illinois District serving at Camp Manitoqua, a Christian Camp that is graciously housing our LERT volunteers this week. They have a lot of trees downed and damaged all throughout their large campground and many dangerous hanging limbs. Nathan Phillips, Program Director, expressed his deep appreciation for all of the work done and our willingness to partner with them to serve the affected communities.

We also cut and moved an uprooted evergreen to the curb at a home we had served at from damage from the tornado in July. This tree fell during the derecho. She said she was grateful that we were willing to return to help her again.