Our thoughts are with our colleagues as they start the process of rebuilding after the recent tornadoes impacting the U.S. Midwest region.

Illinois City/County Management Association executive director Dawn Peters recently spoke with Washington city administrator Tim Gleason. (Among the communities impacted by the recent tornadoes, Washington was especially devastated.)

She reports that Gleason “is truly thankful and amazed that there was only one death and that the hospitals are not filled with severely injured survivors. Nonetheless, he said that the pictures on the news do not do the devastation justice. So, during this time of thanksgiving, may we all be thankful for what we have and open our hearts to the victims of the Washington tornado.”

Washington has been inundated with donations of various food items and other supplies; the city’s greatest need right now is financial support.

Following are several options for members and others who would like to provide assistance:

• At the ILCMA winter conference in Springfield, the ILCMA Board plans to hold a raffle benefiting the city.
• The Washington Tornado Relief Fund, an expedited 501c3, has been set up at Morton Community Bank to provide aid to victims of the tornado and disaster recovery and relief efforts in the city of Washington. Donations can be made at any of the 33 branches in Illinois or at Washington Community Bank, 1895 Washington Road, Washington, IL 61571. Credit card payments will be accepted 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time Monday-Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Central Time on Saturday by calling 309-284-1365 or 309-266-5337.
• American Red Cross donations are welcome; designate contributions for the Washington Tornado Relief Fund.