On Friday, December 27, 2013 Hinsdale Chamber Executive Jan Anderson and Chamber member Michael LaFido of The Michael LaFido Team/ERA Team Feinstein drove down to Washington Illinois to deliver the cleaning supplies collected through a donations drive conducted by the Chamber throughout the Holiday season.
Jan and Michael visited the Washington Chamber of Commerce and discussed the progress in recovery. Clean-up is in full swing and the people there are still struggling to get their lives back. In addition to delivering the donated supplies, Jan and Michael toured the section of the city destroyed by the tornado back in November.
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"Based on the degree and amount of destruction it is a miracle that only two lives were lost" said Michael LaFido. "The recovery effort will take a very long time" he said.
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At one of the two warehouses visited, Jan and Michael had the opportunity to meet and talk with City Administrator Tim Gleason. Tim shared with us that this was the first opportunity he had to visit the donation center as he has been tied down with so many other issues to contend with. He also expressed his extreme gratitude and amazement in the volume of support and assistance given to the Washington community from the Chicagoland area.
In addition to the Hinsdale donations (on Friday), an athletic team of fifty students from Mt. Carmel High School in Mundeline were on site to help work at the warehouse distribution center. A local resident and volunteer named Cindy shared her comments with Jan and Michael; she said over one thousand homes (20% of the city) was destroyed by the tornado in a matter of seconds. Residents visit the donation center daily to receive help. Cindy said the biggest shortage of supplies needed right now include laundry detergent, baby diapers and wipes, and cat & dog food.
Jan and Michael were overwhelmed by the challenges this community faces and agreed to continue on with the donations collection and remain in contact with their city officials to receive updates on their progress and what may be needed in the future.
