Volunteers are pouring in to London Mills, Illinois to help with clean up efforts after flood waters rushed through their town. Donations of clothes, cleaning supplies and food have rolled in from all over. A faith-based group called The Convoy of Hope chose to stop and help the Illinois town of 400.
“This is the place the Lord wanted us to come to,” Global Disaster Reponses Coordinator, Ryan Grabill says.
The organization based out of Springfield, Missouri that travels the country to provide disaster relief. Grabill says they will be in London Mills until the needs are met. The residents expressed their gratitude.
“We do need the help and we appreciate it so much,” long time resident Linda Kuster says. “We are blessed.”
“It just means so much for a small community like ours to be remembered,” volunteer Lori Kugler says.
The church in London Mills has also turned into a community center will numerous tables filled with cleaning supplies, food, clothing, and water. The volunteers there say they will be there for whatever the community needs.
“Whether it’s a hug, a meal, a prayer or an arm load of garbage bags or cleaning supplies,” Kugler says the church has it. “It means a lot to people, every little bit helps.”
All the help is giving this battered town hope.
“There will be a better day and look, my cherry tree is starting to bloom and the birds are singing,” Kuster says as she looks into the sky. “That helps.”
Additional help from the National Guard as well as more convoy of hope volunteers will be headed to London Mills Saturday.