Wednesday

The last few days we have been told to stay away - only homeowners and rescue personnel allowed.  Some people are being allowed into the damaged area now so we are getting more organized. UPDATE: It sounds like police are turning a lot of people away today!  If you can get in please meet at the Hancock home.  That will be the command center for now as it is a fairly central location.  People can begin heading over there at 8am - there will also be Mormon Helping Hands vest available there.

From President Johnson:  "Individuals able to do vigorous physical labor and who will be able to bring construction type equipment, rakes, brooms and shovels with them can begin coming to the Washington area to provide volunteer labor.  At this time, we recommend individuals with good work skills and appropriate tools over 18 years of age.  Youth under age 18 should participate only when accompanying a parent.  The assigned unit representative should organize carpooling where possible to minimize the number of vehicles requiring space in the area.  Please note as well that work in these areas is confined to daylight hours."

608 Grandyle Dr.

Washington, IL 61571

(As of Tues. people were parking at 5 Points or Central School and walking in. There are checkpoints set up and some let you in and some won't.  Yesterday you needed an escort from a person in the damaged area so you would have to contact one of them.)

If you are not allowed in, I have a few Mormon Helping Hands Vests at my home.  I don't know if they will let you in wearing one but it is another thing to try.  Contact me at home: (309)481-5140 or cell: (309)472-5481 if you need one.

Please come equipped with gloves, coats, rain gear, face masks, and sturdy shoes/boots as there is a lot of glass and debris.

We could also use food at the Hancock's home to provide lunches for the workers - easy to put together items like sandwich supplies, chips, cookies, fruit, carrot sticks, etc. and water.  Washington is under a boil order so everyone could use water.

For those looking for temporary housing:  NHS property is offering free rent through the end of the year or those who are effected by the tornado . Contact www.nhspm.com or (309) 689-8494 or
(309) 682-6212
(I don't know where NHS property is just that)

Wednesday's dinner will be at the church at 6pm.  To those wanting to donate, we could use

personal hygiene items
hand sanitizer

water
first aid kits
pain/cold medicine
power cords
light weight shelving

non perishable food

gift cards

paper plates, cups, etc 

coats/hats/gloves

boxes

storage bins

packaging tape 
face masks

We don't really need clothes at this time.  We will let you know of any specifics if we do.

Here is an update from Cris Braun:  "Just so you know, we are fine.  As of today, we are set - all utilities are back, our yard and home are cleaned up, and the adjustor has been here, so we having nothing hanging over our heads except for the repairs.  There you go - this is our update. On a personal note, prayers for the bishop are needed, now that I see the scope of the burden and the demands.  We have an awesome ward, and the priesthood response is tremendously encouraging, awesome, phenomenal, etc.  I just cannot speak any more highly for the coordinated effort that I have witnessed."

We do have a few sisters who could use babysitting during the day.  If you are available during the day (and in the Washington area) send me your name and I will start a list here.
Nuria Steever (309)648-8240
Jessica Heslop (801)671-4014
Anna Oxborrow (309)886-2352
Lisa Fossat (801)718-2795
Brittni Montgomery ((605)787-0680

The stake is working to organize a group to go in this weekend.  Your local Bishop's and Elder's Quorum Presidents should be receiving information regarding that.  More information to come!

Thank you so much to all those who have reached out in support! 

Photos of ward members helping rebuild homes today (I took these from Shanna Kurth's facebook :)