American Red Cross of Illinois

[6:11 PM CDT Wednesday 6/24/2026]

Brief tornado threat for far northeast Kane and far northwest Cook County in the red shaded area. Seek shelter!

When severe storms and tornadoes swept across Illinois, Red Cross volunteer Walt Pendleton answered the call — traveling from Phoenix, Arizona to help people in need that he'd never met before, but were in need of his service.

“The experience is very gratifying from the point of view of service to the community," Walt said. "It’s much better than sitting at home and watching TV all day. Getting out in the community and talking to people and seeing how grateful they are that we’re there is so gratifying.”

Throughout the Illinois Region, Walt has spent his days delivering meals, checking in on families and simply being there for people facing unimaginable loss. Along his route, something unexpected happened — connections were built.

In neighborhoods hit hard by disaster, Walt and his team became familiar faces. The meals they were bringing were more than just food — they were moments of comfort, conversation and sometimes even laughter.

“We got to be very friendly with the people we were serving," Walt said. "Sometimes we'd joke around and we could tell they were really enjoying the interactions.”

Walt recalled one moment that stuck with him, saying that he remembers when a man who was cleaning up his property saw the Red Cross vehicle coming down the road and celebrated.

“He would throw his hands up in the air, cheering," Walt said. "They were just so happy we were arriving.”

For Walt, it’s those small but powerful moments that define the mission. And through every story shared, every person met and every meal delivered, he found something deeper.

“It was so gratifying going from house to house and listening to what they had to say," Walt said. "Them sharing experiences their was very enlightening. People are the same all over the country and I was grateful to be there."

As communities across Illinois continue to recover, volunteers like Walt remind us what the Red Cross is truly about—compassion, connection and showing up when it matters most. ❤️

Help people affected by disasters big and small by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, whenever and wherever they occur across the country. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation.

Recently, Glenn Truzzi put his American Red Cross CPR and AED training into action when he witnessed a man collapse from cardiac arrest at his local gym. Remaining calm under extraordinary pressure, Glenn immediately called 9-1-1, began CPR, used an AED, and continued lifesaving care until EMS arrived. Because he was prepared, a life was saved.

It was an incredible honor to present Glenn with the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit in Chicago on behalf of the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania, in recognition of his extraordinary courage and willingness to act when every second counted.

A special thank you to Tim Oldenburg, Aquatics, Firest Responders, and Public Safety Executive, for presenting the award and for your continued partnership in recognizing everyday heroes whose actions reflect the very best of humanity.

Glenn's story is a powerful reminder that CPR training doesn't just teach a skill, it prepares ordinary people to do extraordinary things. You never know when you may be the one called upon to save a life.

Congratulations, Glenn, and thank you for reminding us that heroes are often ordinary people who choose to act when it matters most. ❤️

As we continue through the week, we’re holding every individual, every family, and every community affected by the devastating storms in Illinois close in our hearts.

Our priority remains ensuring that every person affected has access to the immediate support they need, including our Red Crossers who despite facing losses themselves, continue serving others with unwavering compassion.

One of the most affected areas was Monmouth, Illinois, home to one of our dedicated Red Crossers who has been part of the organization for 15 years.

“My kids were getting ready to get out the door to camp when we noticed the wind picked up. We looked out our living room window and saw a huge tree branch flying like it was a feather. I told the boys we may need to head to the basement. Shortly after that the lights flashed and then the power went out,” she said.

She shared how difficult it has been to see her community impacted so severely. Damage is visible across the city, debris scattered across properties, small business suffering significant losses, countless uprooted trees, many had to endure power outages and road closures. But even during situations like this one, she expressed that hope shines through and she feels lucky that everyone is safe.

“As a Red Crosser, it makes me incredibly proud to know that our teams are here. I’m so thankful for our volunteers who are willing to give their time to be present and to help those in need,” she added.

Over the past 10 days, the Red Cross has responded in communities across nearly every corner of Illinois, including Cook County, Streator, Monmouth, Effingham, Springfield, Washburn, Charleston, Mt. Vernon, and many more.

to our incredible volunteers, partners, and donors. Because of your compassion and commitment, the Red Cross continues to bring hope and help when it is needed most.

Help people affected by disasters like floods, fires and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, whenever and wherever they occur across the country. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation.

📍 Red Cross Respite Center Open in Mt. Vernon, IL

If you were impacted by the Jefferson County tornado, visit the Rolland Lewis Community Center (800 S. 27th Street in Mount Vernon) today from noon to 6 p.m. for:

• Shelter and comfort
• Clean water and snacks
• Phone charging stations
• Emergency relief supplies
• Health and mental health services
• One-on-one emotional and disaster support

Residents affected by the storm are encouraged to attend and connect with the support they need during this challenging time.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by these storms and needs assistance, contact 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Our hearts are with every individual, family, and community impacted by the devastating storms that have swept across Illinois over the past several days.

Unfortunately, Father's Day brought yet another round of severe storms and tornadoes, damaging homes in Southern Illinois and bringing heavy rainfall to communities throughout the region.

Our priority remains ensuring that every person affected has access to the immediate support they need. Across Illinois, Red Cross volunteers are providing shelter, meals, emergency supplies, health and mental health services, financial assistance, and compassionate care to help families begin their recovery.

Over the past 10 days, the Red Cross has responded in communities across nearly every corner of Illinois, including Cook County, Streator, Monmouth, Effingham, Springfield, Washburn, Charleston, Mt. Vernon, and many more.

To our incredible volunteers, partners, and donors -- thank you. Because of your compassion and commitment, the Red Cross continues to bring hope and help when it is needed most.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by these storms and has not yet connected with the Red Cross, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Volunteer of the Week: Illinois Severe Storms and Tornadoes Disaster Response Volunteers

This week we are proud to highlight and honor each and every Red Cross Volunteer, both from near and far, who has raised their hand, responded to those in need throughout our region and continues to make a difference in the live of so many navigating some of their toughest days.

In response to the need of our residents throughout the Illinois Region, over 100 volunteers, from across the country and from right here at home, have helped serve those in need and led with their hearts to deliver the Red Cross mission!

Whether these volunteers have helped set up and staff shelters, delivered food and water to those impacted, handed out emergency supplies and clean up kits, provided damage assessment for countless communities or assisted residents in need with necessary medical services; your impact will never be lost on those you serve.

Thank you for answering the call of so many in need, thank you for continuing to serve through multiple rounds of devastating storms and tornadoes and thank you for your humanitarian spirit and dedication toward making a difference!

Wherever there is need, the Red Cross is there — And the hard work and heart of our volunteers is the reason why! ❤️

Want to get involved and learn how you can show up when your community is in need? Learn more at RedCross.org/Volunteer!

❤️🐾 Sometimes the greatest comfort comes with four paws and a wagging tail.

After disasters, the American Red Cross provides more than shelter, meals, and recovery assistance—we also provide moments of comfort and connection. Through our Animal Visitation Program, specially trained volunteer teams like Shay Jacobson and her beloved dog, Boo Boo, help bring a sense of calm and hope to people during some of life's most difficult moments.

Following the devastating storms in Streator, Shay and Boo Boo spent time with residents, offering gentle companionship, warm smiles, and a comforting presence when it was needed most.

"When people have experienced a disaster, they're often overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next," said Shay. "Sometimes Boo Boo doesn't have to do anything but sit beside someone. You can see their shoulders relax, their smile return, and for just a moment, they feel a little less alone. That's why we do this."

From a reassuring paw to a listening ear, Boo Boo reminds us that healing comes in many forms.

Thank you, Shay and Boo Boo, for sharing your hearts and helping our neighbors find comfort, one visit at a time. ❤️

You too can help.

When Dan Janowick’s son, Will, needed lifesaving blood transfusions, complete strangers stepped up to give his family more time, more memories and more hope.

Now, Dan gives blood in honor of the donors who helped save his son’s life, knowing firsthand that one donation can change everything.

This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating dads like Dan who turn gratitude into action and remind us that the greatest gifts often come from people we’ll never meet.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. That someone could be a dad. This Father's Day, honor someone you love, and help save a life, by making a blood donation. To make an appointment, simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

♥️ They help others rise, even when the storms touch their own lives.

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the recent rounds of severe weather. As our communities begin the long road to recovery, the Illinois Region also wants to honor the Red Crossers who are also facing their own losses while continuing to serve others with compassion.

One of the many areas hit hard is Danville, Illinois, home of the family of one of our Red Cross team members. For two weeks, through every watch and warning, she stayed connected with her loved ones, making sure they knew they were not facing this alone. She kept them informed as conditions changed and encouraged her mother and neighbors to download the Red Cross Emergency App so they could receive real-time alerts, shelter information, and updates on available support.

"Being a Red Crosser gives me comfort because I know the resources we have to support people after a disaster,” she said. “At the same time, it reminds me how deeply I care for both our communities and my own family. While I’m reaching out to help ensure others are safe, I’m also thinking about my mom and sister. I want to protect them just as I work to protect the people we serve.”

At the American Red Cross, our mission is rooted in one simple truth: no one should feel alone on the worst days of their lives. Recovery is never easy, but hope grows when we face the journey together.

Help people affected by disasters big and small by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, whenever and wherever they occur across the country. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation.