The Village of Lena, area businesses and nonprofits and residents are rallying around their town and each other the day after a devasting storm ripped through the area causing extensive damage to homes, businesses and a school and widespread power loss.
Several tornadoes were reported the evening of April 17 in northwest Illinois. No deaths or serious injuries have been reported.
It started late April 17, hours after the storm, when the Village of Lena thanked their neighbors and first responders and gave residents an update.
“Tonight, our Village faced a devastating tornado, and while there is still much to assess, one thing is already clear — our community is strong,” the village posted on social media. “Lena has always been a community that shows up for one another, and we will do that now more than ever. There will be challenges ahead, but we will rebuild, recover and come through this stronger together. Please continue to stay safe, check on your neighbors, and follow official updates from the Village.
We are Lena. We will get through this.”
The next day dozens followed suit — offering help, showing their support and letting Lena officials and residents know that they are not in this alone.
Volunteer cleanup efforts were organized. ComEd arrived with charging stations. A Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Team arrived with a hot meal. And the Foundation for Northwest Illinois launched the Lena Strong Community Fund.
“At this time of crisis and chaos for our neighbors in the Lena area, following the storms that ripped through our region Friday afternoon, we at The Foundation for Northwest Illinois want our neighbors to know, we are here for you,” the foundation posted on Facebook. “We have activated the Lena Strong Community Fund. All funds donated will be directly distributed to the nonprofits lending aid during this time of crisis. Additionally, The Foundation pledges to match these funds, dollar-to-dollar, up to $50,000.”
Donations should be sent or dropped off at The Foundation for Northwest Illinois C/O Lena Strong Community Fund,1525 S. Forest Rd., Suite 200, Freeport, IL 61032. They can alse be made online at the foundation’s website.
“Community Foundations are established on the concept of neighbor helping neighbor, and there is never a time when neighbors helping neighbors is more applicable than when disaster strikes. This grassroots response is immediate and profoundly human,” the foundation wrote. “The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is here for you, Lena. You are our neighbors, and part of our Northwest Illinois family. We’ve got you, today, tomorrow, forever. We’re here for good.”
The popular Lena Brewing Company invited residents to the bar and restaurant as soon as the storm’s had passed — letting them know that the wi-fi was down but they had power and working bathrooms for anyone in need.
“LBC is OPEN and here to help!,” the brewery posted on social media. “Need power? Need a meal? Need light? Need water or a bathroom? Need Help with cleanup? Need a gathering place for hugs and fellowship? Just need a beer? We got you!!! … Please follow all orders from first responders and law enforcement when it comes to travel guidelines. We are praying hard for our favorite small town of Lena and want everyone to stay safe!”
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Dozens rally, show support for Illinois town after devastating storm
Reporting by Corina Curry, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
