Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

Deployment will include lift work, tree, branch, and debris removal. Flexibility and patience are required.

Volunteer slots may open if equipment becomes available. Please check back.

Peace Lutheran Church, Neenah, is the gathering place for all LERT volunteers to check in and receive work assignments. Briefing begins at 8:00 a.m. The church will provide lunch, snacks, and water for all workers. Each person should bring their LERT ID card and a medical card in case of emergency. (We know that recently trained individuals do not yet have their LERT ID.)  

For Basic LERT-trained Volunteers:

Must be Basic LERT trained.
Debris cleanup may involve both organic (plants, branches, wood) and inorganic (metal, shingles, siding). Dress appropriately for the weather and work. Wear sturdy work boots and gloves (NO sandals or flip-flops). Layered clothing with long sleeves and long pants is recommended. Wear your LERT t-shirt, if you have one. LERT vests will be available on site.  Steel-toe shoes are required near chainsaw and dragging operations.

Chainsaw Operators and Draggers:

Must have completed Basic LERT Chainsaw Training and bring full PPE, including steel-toe shoes.  You MUST wear chaps and other Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, ear protectors, gloves, and steel-toe boots) to work near chainsaw operations.Chainsaw Operators should bring a chainsaw, bar oil and gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix.

Overnight Accommodations Available:

Overnight accommodations are available at the church with a valid LERT background check. Please include your need for overnight accommodations in the notes area, including your estimated arrival time and how long you plan to stay. Showers are available at the local YMCA during operating hours. 

Check the current forecast for Neenah, WI. We may pause or suspend operations due to weather. We may email a cancellation if we know the weather will be an issue.

 

Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) Disaster Response, an LCMS RSO and active participant in the LCMS LERT program, is continuing to provide chainsaw assistance to residents in the South Suburbs of Northwest Illinois affected by the June 27 tornado and the August 10 derecho.

This deployment will run from Monday, August 24, through Saturday, August 29, and will be led by Deac. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response.

We are asking both local and out-of-district LERT volunteers to register for the days they are available to serve.

If you will need lodging, please indicate in the comments section and text Kathy your name and dates at 847-287-1801.

Lodging and Showers will be provided at:

Camp Manitoqua

8122 W Sauk Trail

Frankfort, IL 60423

 

The Camp can house up to 15 men & 15 women in Elm Cabin 1-2. Bunkbeds are on site and you must bring your own bedding, pillow, towels and toiletries.  This is a Christian Camp that is considered dry. They ask that we please abide by this.

If you will be arriving on Sunday evening, please contact Joel Powless at 815-530-8133 when you arrive so he can show you to cabin.

Meals will be provided by local churches and served at:

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

177 Luther Lane

Frankfort, IL 60423

 

Local volunteers will join overnight volunteers at 8:15 am each morning at the church for devotions, briefing and assignments.

 Please register for the days you intend to be present for deployment.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

LERT background checks are required for this deployment. The LCMS LERT system will automatically take you to the Sterling Volunteers site to either complete your background check for the first time or renew it (if required) at no cost.

You must then return to this link to register for this deployment after you receive email that your background check is completed.