Update 4: I am hearing that the family has solved their immediate housing need. I am thankful for a community where so many work together to care for the hurting. Rural northern Illinois people are good neighbors!
UPDATE 3: The family has received all the clothing they need right now and are moving into a furnished place. So no more clothing or furniture is needed at this time. New household items will be accepted at the FHS on Thursday: towels/washcloths, first aid kit supplies, kitchen ware and utensils, sheets, blankets, etc.
UPDATE 2: DONATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED 2-6 PM, THURSDAY, JUNE 12, AT FORRESTON JR/SR HIGH.
UPDATE: THERE IS NOW AN ACCOUNT AT STILLMAN VALLEY BANK. YOU CAN MAKE A GIFT TO THE BELTRAN FAMILY AT ANY OF THE STILLMAN VALLEY BANK BRANCHES WHICH INCLUDE: STILLMAN VALLEY, BYRON, ROCHELLE, OREGON, ROCKFORD, AND ROSCOE.
A family in our community (Leaf River) lost everything in a fire yesterday (see here for the news story). The family is not a part of our church, but our hearts go out to them. They lost everything except the clothes on their back.
I went to what is left of their home and prayed with them after church. Their daughter pointed out to me, “Even our camper burned.” You can see what is left of the camper on the right side of the picture.
The family was at a parade when the fire started. To make matters worse, one of the sons was injured in a “float accident” – – in the end, he was going to the emergency room at the same time that fire engines were going to their home. You can see the picture of his injured leg above.
Tomorrow, we will find out the details of where to take donations. For now, consider if you might have any donations of clothes or other needed help.
Here are their clothing sides:
Dad: XL, shoe size 10
Mom: size 16, shoe size 11
Son (age 12): size 16, shoe 10
Daughter (age 12): junior women, size large
Son (age 10): 12-14, shoe size 6
Son (age 3): 4T
I will be also talking with our leaders about a gift from our church benevolent fund.
Do we know yet where we can donate clothing or other items?
I am hearing that the Forreston School may be coordinating. I have a call in to confirm, but have not yet heard anything.
Donates are being taken at the Forreston Jr. Sr. High School this Thursday from 2-6pm.
Thank you Kerry!
I donated some nice clothing items. I left them with Nikki Christiansen in Leaf River. I hope they find there way to the family.
Dave, that’s great. I’m biased, but I think people in rural America are the BEST neighbors.
The family has received all the clothing they need right now and are moving into a furnished place. So no more clothing or furniture is needed at this time. New household items will be accepted at the FHS on Thursday: towels/washcloths, first aid kit supplies, kitchen ware and utensils, sheets, blankets, etc.
Raina,
Thank you – – that update is very helpful.
Chris.
Yes Dave! I see the family daily and drop off all donations! Thank you so very much!