How You Can Help Those Impacted By Woodstock Explosion

WOODSTOCK, IL — A handful of families in Woodstock are without homes and also are searching for their pets following a home explosion near the downtown area on Monday.

Early in the afternoon Monday, authorities reported a gas leak in the area of North Tryon Street and Lincoln Street. Hours later, a home exploded in the 200 block of Lincoln Avenue, which led to fires and damage to nearby buildings.

The home that exploded was "instantly leveled" and nine other buildings, including a church and school, were damaged. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital but no major injuries have been reported, authorities said.

Several people have been displaced by the explosion and fires.

Newlyweds Savannah Kies and Benjamin Bosowski are among them.

The couple lived in the home that exploded with their two dachshunds, Charlie and Lucy, and a roommate, according to GoFundMe pages set up to help them following Monday's blast. One of the dogs died and the other is in critical condition, according to a GoFundMe set up by Savannahs' best friend, Carlee Schultz.

"If you know Savannah, you know she lost her little sister in 2016 and has lost many important people since then. She is the most loving and giving person I have ever known. This is a loss that will be profound in their lives and I want to do everything to take away some of the stress," Schultz, of Sterling, wrote on the GoFundMe page. "I am looking to raise money for any expenses that arise, so they can focus on rebuilding their family and home."

As of Tuesday morning, more than $6,500 has been raised for Ben and Savannah, who got married last year. Additional donations can be made here.

Bosowski's sister, Becky, has also set up a GoFundMe for Savannah and Ben, as well as their roommate, John Stevens. Becky said they had only lived at their Woodstock home for 1.5 years and have "put so much work and money into making it their home."

John's cat is missing, and Woodstock residents are asked to keep an eye out for the cat, Becky Bosowski wrote in the GoFundMe. They are hoping the cat "escaped the wreck and is staying safe."

As of Tuesday morning, nearly $4,000 has been raised for the group, and additional donations can be made here.

A separate GoFundMe has been set up just for Stevens, who is in need of money to replace essential belongings and cover immediate expenses, including items like food, clothing and toiletries.

The GoFundMe, which is organized by John Kendall of Woodstock, has brought in more than $2,300 as of Tuesday morning.

"... our friend John Stevens lost his house and all of his belongings in an unexpected disaster. This possibly includes his much beloved pet cat, though we hold out hope for the pet's survival. John has always been a class act; a beam of positivity and humor in a world that sorely needs it. John needs our help," Kendall wrote. Additional donations for Stevens can be made here.

Another Woodstock resident, Armani, whose home was destroy in a fire following the explosion, is requesting funds via GoFundMe to help cover the expenses "to get my baby all the things she lost in the fire."

"I'm not looking for help for myself," Armani Peralta of Woodstock wrote. "Please, anything, I mean anything will help."

As of Tuesday morning, $350 has been raised for Peralta. Additional donations can be made here.

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