Tornado Clean Up

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows have always been there when the conceded them and this was another instance.  On December 29th a tornado struck the Mt Zion / Long Creek community midafternoon.  Several homes were impacted by the F2 tornado, with 5-6 being destroyed.  The Odd Fellows and the community responded immediately.  Within hours the response was tremendous.  Within a week the debris had been cleaned up and each victim had been contacted by the Odd Fellows and Finacial assistance offered.  Most victims, directed us to others they felt needed the help more.  

A couple of the victims were living in a rental unit with their children.  Thier homes were completely destroyed and they were quickly were offered housing and  financial assistance.
The Illinois Grand Lodge was on the phone pledging assistance and delivered $5,000 in immediate assistance for families.  The Mt Zion lodge provided immediate assistance and pledged future support.  The lodge had several members who also stepped up and aided with the cleanup, providing equipment and man hours for multiple days.  Rakes, shovels, wheel barrows, tractors , skid steers and even dump trucks to remove debris.  On January 3rd, several members (picture attached) turned out to do something final cleanups, raking yards and picking up remaining debris.  Magnetic rollers were deployed to cleanup nails and other dangerous debris.
It was truly impressive to see this community and specifically the Odd Fellows come together to provide that support when families need it.  The timeliness of the physical and financial assistance was amazing!