Here's the updated information on what is going on in Washington, Brookport and Gifford in long-term recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Nov. 17 tornadoes.
Four United Methodist churches in central Illinois announced the Hope Swings in Washington mission project last week. Youth groups from Illinois, Missouri and Florida will travel to Washington over seven weeks this summer to build and distribute swing sets to families who lost their homes during the Nov. 17 tornado. More than 70 families have already requested swings sets, and the project’s goal is to build 100 swing sets total.
A new appeal for volunteer teams has been sent from Washington, IL Dec. 12 and Brookport on Dec. 13.
Bishop Jonathan Keaton shares how a visit to Washington to survey tornado damage and a question posed to him by a Salvation Army official triggered a childhood memory of facing disaster.
Also, update information from the tornado sites as they continue cleanup and recovery efforts.
The Sunday after the Nov. 17 tornadoes saw crowds flocking to churches to hear a message of hope. For tornado victims and person who have been involved with the cleanup, it was just what they needed to hear.
Read about church services in Washington, Gifford and New Minden, as well as an updated report at the various tornado sites.
Two legendary rock groups have announced they will perform a Dec. 4 benefit concert at Bloomington’s U.S. Cellular Coliseum for central Illinois storm victims.
REO Speedwagon and Styx will headline “Rock to the Rescue Extends a Hand to Those in Need,” with proceeds going to affected families in area communities hit by Sunday’s devastating tornadoes and storms.
Here's the latest information as of today (Nov. 22).
Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton visited the communities of Washington and Gifford Tuesday (Nov. 19) to meet with pastors, disaster response officials and to examine how The United Methodist Church may be of assistance in disaster areas.
Bishop Keaton has requested and the United Methodist Committee on Relief has approved, a $10,000 initial grant to assist with disaster cleanup, recovery and assistance. The Bishop is also urging IGRC churches to take a special offering on Sunday, Nov. 24 for the Conference Disaster Response Fund (Advance Special #6800), that will supplement the UMCOR grant.
Persons are urged to give to this fund and requested not to designate their gift to any one location. This will enable the conference to respond to needs and give them the flexibility to address emerging needs as they develop rather than being restricted to one geographic area.
Here's an update as of this morning (Nov. 20, 2013)
updated at 5pm on 11/18/2013
updated 9:30pm 11/18/2013
Information posted Monday, November 18, 9 a.m.