Residents Come Together To Create 'Mokena Strong' Group

MOKENA, IL — For Mokena residents in need or residents who are looking for a way to give back, the Mokena Strong group provides both.

Mokena resident Terry Germany first came up with the idea for Mokena Strong after seeing a Facebook post where a woman volunteered to pick up groceries for the elderly or others who couldn't leave their homes during the coronavirus crisis.

"I was moved by the post and inspired by the idea and I wanted to organize a way to help," Germany said. Germany reached out to village trustee Joe Siwinski and Tim Ozinga, the Republican candidate for the 37th District representative, and received help from the village of Mokena as well.

Germany said the group met with the village, police and fire departments to discuss the organization and how they could all come together.

Group members, including Melissa Fedora, Jillian Hersted and Mike Engler, worked to create a website and Facebook page and also created a database to keep track of volunteers.

Germany said volunteers should be at least 18, must pass a background check, wear protective equipment and not be in contact with any of the individuals who are being assisted.

The group is ready to help pick up essential items for those who can't leave their homes, and is also collecting supply donations for the Mokena Fire Protection District and Mokena Police Department. The group will do doorstep pick-up for various supplies the departments need.

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