Stronger than the storm: Long Creek comes together one week after tornado

LONG CREEK, Ill. (WAND) — Just one week after a tornado tore through homes in Long Creek, the community is stepping up to help those who were impacted by storm damage — providing shelter, donations for food, and picking up debris from the aftermath.

"I mean, it's terrible. It was almost like a war zone, if you will," said Odd Fellows member Scott Flannery.

The Odd Fellows is a nonprofit dedicated to community service. A part of the Mount Zion Odd Fellows creed is to relieve the stress of the community.

"We've cleared the roadways, they've got the dumpsters out here. There's a plan with emergency management to get some dumpsters out here at the garbage pick-up and everything like that," said Flannery.

The American Red Cross has partnered with many local organizations, including Passion Community Church.

The state chapter of Odd Fellows donated $5,000 to help families with food and shelter. Volunteers from Springfield and other areas across central Illinois joined in to help as well.

"It could happen to you, and I would want my neighbors to be there for me," said Flannery.

Volunteers said it will be a little more time before the rebuilding home stage, but Flannery said hopefully by spring, people will be back in their homes.

If you are interested in helping, you can visit Passion Community Church at 4225 Camp Warren Ln, Decatur, IL 62521 and donate food.

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