American Red Cross of Illinois

06/15/2026

Volunteer of the Week: Christopher “Tex” Theo

This week we are shining a light on Tex, a Red Crosser you can spot by his red vest, big smile and signature cowboy hat.

Tex may be enjoying retirement, but he never stopped wanting to stay active and connected to his community. For the past two years, he has been a dedicated champion of the American Red Cross mission, showing up with heart and humility wherever help is needed the most.

This past week, we saw his compassion in action. After several rounds of severe weather impacted our Illinois Region, Tex stepped into our shelters without hesitation. His willingness to raise his hand and support families facing some of their hardest moments is something we are deeply grateful for.

“Helping other people is very meaningful. It gives my life great purpose to know that you are there for people in need. Many times, I come across families who lose everything after a disaster. They must start over, it’s a difficult situation for them, but it makes me feel good that I can bring comfort. Volunteering is just the right thing to do,” said Tex.

In moments of crisis, it’s the human connection that matters most. Our volunteers show up with open hearts and an unwavering commitment to helping neighbors begin to move forward.

♥️ Thank you to Tex for answering the call.

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

06/14/2026

♥️ Today is World Blood Donor Day, a moment to honor those people whose generosity keeps hope alive.

Darlene Hutchens turned heartbreak into purpose. After losing her husband, she chose to give back. Every time she donates blood she is helping ensure patients have the strength and support they need in their hardest moments. For Darlene, donating is simple, relatively painless, and one of the most meaningful ways to help save lives.

👉 Read Darlene’s 's story: https://rdcrss.org/4p3KUrI

♥️ Blood donors like Darlene make healing possible.
This World Blood Donor Day, we invite you to join them. Whether you’re a regular donor or giving for the first time, your donation saves lives.

Make your appointment today: https://rdcrss.org/3onT0Nj

06/14/2026

❤️ Grateful for the village of volunteers.

When severe storms strike, it takes a community of compassionate people willing to step forward and help their neighbors. From setting up shelters and welcoming families to providing meals, health services, emotional support, and a listening ear, Red Cross volunteers are there when they're needed most.

If you've ever wanted to make a difference in your community, now is the time. Volunteer with the Red Cross and stand ready to lend a helping hand when disaster strikes.

The Red Cross has opened shelters to support residents impacted by recent severe storms in the Chicago area and Streator:

📌 New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 406 W John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave., Peoria, IL
📍 American Red Cross of Greater Chicago | 2200 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL
📍 St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church | 509 Broadway St., Streator, IL

Whether you need a safe place to stay overnight or simply a place to cool off, receive a meal, charge your devices, or speak with a Red Cross health or mental health volunteer, you are welcome to visit. You do not need to stay at the shelter to access these services.

You can 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. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation.

06/13/2026

Thank you to the many volunteers who have traveled from other parts of the country to assist impacted residents after this week’s storms. We are honored to welcome you all!

Thank you, Dolores! We appreciate your dedication, compassion and time to care for our Illinois region residents.

06/13/2026

"We're not neighbors—we're family, and we look out for each other."

For Debbie, a lifelong Streator resident of 55 years, those words have never felt more true.

As severe storms swept through the community, neighbors came together to check on one another, offer support, and begin the difficult process of recovery.

"While some of our homes are gone, we're grateful that everyone is okay and for the support of so many," Debbie shared.

The American Red Cross is proud to stand alongside communities like Streator, providing shelter, meals, emotional support, health services, and recovery assistance to those impacted by the storms.

In times of disaster, the strength of a community shines brightest—not just in the response, but in the compassion neighbors show one another.

To everyone affected by this week's storms, please know you are not alone. And to the volunteers, partners, and community members helping families recover, thank you for embodying the very best of humanity.

You can 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. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation

06/13/2026

With severe weather in the forecast, now is the perfect time to download the FREE Red Cross Emergency App!

--Customize up to 40 different weather alerts.
--Access step-by-step guides to help you prepare for potential hazards.
--Easily find open Red Cross shelters with an interactive map.
--Receive alerts, tips, and information in both Spanish and English.
--Accessible for people with disabilities.
--Compatible with Apple Watch and Android Wearable devices.

▶️ Download the Emergency App through your device's app store or text GETEMERGENCY to 90999.

Scattered thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon into this evening. A few of these thunderstorms may be strong to severe.

06/12/2026

After multiple rounds of devastating storms and tornadoes ripped through our region and impacted multiple communities over the past few days, our dedicated volunteers have answered the call of people in need.

We thank every Red Crosser that has signed up to deliver comfort and hope to friends and neighbors in nearly every chapter across the Illinois Region!

Together, we have mobilized to support by staffing shelters and providing emotional and spiritual care, health services, and comfort to affected families. Thank you for making a difference!

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. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation.

06/12/2026

We know people are generous and want to do everything they can to help after a disaster. Our first priority is to provide shelter and support for those affected.

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. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation.

For those looking to provide in-kind donations, more information can be found below:

Want to help? Here is a list of some relief efforts ongoing in the aftermath of last night's tornado. If you have any services/efforts you would like to share, let us know at 815-672-2921 or [email protected]

Streator Home Savings Bank, 132 S. Monroe St., is collecting non-perishable food items and essential items for Streatorland Community Food Pantry
World Of Bounce, LLC and Woodland Community Unit School District 5 are hosting a free bounce house event noon to 5 p.m. Sunday to accept donations, including food, hygiene/personal care items and clothing. Sparrow's Nest Farm will be providing a petting zoo.
Grace Community Church and Central Church of Christ partnered with Convoy of Hope to distribute clean-up supplies (tarps, totes, garbage cans, and more) and water to community members affected by Thursday’s tornado. Pickup will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at 2001 E. Main St. Enter the church parking lot from the east drive and follow the signs to the back of the property for the pick-up point. They are not taking donations at this time.
Zoila's Coffee Roastery, 601 E. Main St., free drip coffee to first responders
Otter Creek Township Office, 1607 E. Main St., and Reading Township Office, 1620 S. Illinois St., will have water available for those affected/volunteers/responders provided by Fisher Auto Parts - Streator
Streator Elks 591, 202 N. Park St., will be accepting donations for those affected, including water, clothing and snacks from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the second floor of the lodge. Use the door that is labeled for the bowling alley on Hickory Street then use the elevator to the second floor. Anyone in need of anything, pickup will be available after noon.
Star Ford Inc, 2310 N. Bloomington St., will be accepting food, clothing or money donations.
W Social Club, 224 W. Main St., Ottawa, will be taking donations for those affected by the Streator tornado.
Russell Cellular, 2397 N. Bloomington St., will be accepting donations to give to the Woodland event.
God's Will Thrift and Vintage Store, 219 E Main St. Streator, IL, a donations box is set up to help affected families.
Lana Welch - Thrivent Financial, 317 E. Main St. (second floor), taking donations of essential items.
Petals by Peyton Plant Shop & Florist, 552 First St., La Salle, will be accepting non-perishable snacks, bottled water, essential items, pet food/supplies, etc.
Al's Place, 1603 N. Bloomington St., is offering a free meal to those affected by the tornado.
Frank's Pet Shop, Northpoint Plaza, are willing to donate dog or cat food to anyone affected by the tornado and in need of pet food.
Chix Restaurant, 104 S. Everett St., (provided by Elevate Real Estate Team - Keller Williams Infinity ) will provide 1 free entree to anyone affected by the tornado, valid through Sunday.
The Thread Revival , 322 E. Main St., is accepting donations of necessary items.
Heritage Tractor, 29987 N. 300th Road, is offering free chainsaw sharpening, generators at cost and taking non-perishable food items to help with tornado relief.
Walmart Streator has set up a bin at the front of the store for donations
Streator Community Credit Union, 302 N. Park St., is taking monetary donations for residents affected by the tornado
Pitte Storage Facility LLC. , 1 free month of storage for those affected by the tornado. Call 815-992-2560
Small Town Services, Blackstone, is donating machines, saws and able bodies to help with clean up. Call 815-822-8803
3:16 Restored LLC is offering free chain(saw) sharpening services to people cleaning up from the tornado. Call 815-257-1361.

For monetary donations:
Long-term recovery
Streator Disaster Relief and Recovery Designated Fund through Starved Rock Country Community Foundation. The online donation portal will be available beginning June 13. We will share the link once it is available.

Short-term relief
City of Streator - Tornado Relief Fund
Attn: Tornado Relief
204 S. Bloomington St.
Streator, IL 61364
Streator Salvation Army
126 S. Bloomington St.
Streator, IL 61364
American Red Cross
1530 Fourth St.
Peru, IL 61354

06/12/2026

❤️ No matter where they serve or what role they fill, Red Cross volunteers are united by one mission: helping people in need.

Moments like this remind us that the Red Cross is more than an organization—it's a family of volunteers who come together with compassion, purpose, and a shared commitment to serving others.

Together, they bring hope, comfort, and care to those facing some of life's most difficult moments.

To the countless volunteers across our region who have stood ready with willing hands, compassionate hearts, and unwavering dedication—thank you. Thank you for supporting communities impacted by this week's severe storms, staffing shelters, providing comfort, and helping families begin their recovery journey. And thank you for standing ready in the days and weeks ahead as recovery efforts continue.

The American Red Cross has opened shelters to support residents impacted by this week's storms in the Chicago area and Streator. If you or someone you know needs assistance following a local disaster or home fire, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

06/12/2026

⚠️ UPDATE ⚠️ The American Red Cross has opened shelters to support residents impacted by recent severe storms in the Chicago area, Peoria, Champaign and Streator.

📌 New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 406 W John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave., Peoria, IL
📌Parkland Community College, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Building P, Champaign, IL
📌 American Red Cross of Greater Chicago - 2200 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL
📌 St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 509 Broadway Street, Streator, IL

Whether you need a safe place to stay overnight or simply a place to cool off, receive a meal, charge your devices, or speak with a Red Cross health or mental health volunteer, you are welcome to visit. You do not need to stay at the shelter to access these services.

Available support includes:

• A safe place to stay
• Meals and snacks
• A cool place to rest
• Charging stations
• Health and mental health support
• Access to information and community resources

🐾 Pets are welcome and encouraged to arrive in their carriers.

If you or someone you know needs assistance after a local disaster or home fire, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

**********

⚠️ Actualizado ⚠️ La Cruz Roja Americana ha abierto refugios para apoyar a los residentes afectados por las recientes tormentas severas en el área de Chicago, Peoria y Streator.

📌 New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 406 W John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave., Peoria, IL
📌Parkland Community College, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Building P, Champaign, IL
📌 American Red Cross of Greater Chicago - 2200 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL
📌 St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 509 Broadway Street, Streator, IL

Ya sea que necesite un lugar seguro para pasar la noche o simplemente un lugar para refrescarse, recibir una comida, cargar sus dispositivos electrónicos o hablar con un voluntario de salud física o emocional de la Cruz Roja, le damos la bienvenida. No es necesario quedarse en el refugio para recibir estos servicios.

Los servicios disponibles incluyen:

• Un lugar seguro donde alojarse
• Comidas y refrigerios
• Un lugar fresco para descansar
• Estaciones de carga para dispositivos electrónicos
• Apoyo de salud física y emocional
• Acceso a información y recursos comunitarios

🐾 Las mascotas son bienvenidas y se recomienda que lleguen en sus transportadores para garantizar su comodidad y seguridad.

Llame al 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) si usted o alguien que conoce necesita ayuda después de las tormentas.