Long Haul

Recovering from the utter destruction of the tornado which hit Washington will be a long process. It is critical that Schools Count Corp. and other like-minded organizations must stay in the town for the long haul. We won't necessarily be there every day but, we'll have to be willing to assist people over a period of months if not years.

We'll also have to respond to the needs of the citizens. Right now food and shelter are the imperatives. In a month it might be the same or people will have different needs. There are two words of caution which must guide us, flexibility and patience.

For now, I wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday. May the season be full of much happiness for you, your family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!!
Dick

A Disaster beyond Words

The areas that I saw yesterday are such that none of the houses can be repaired. With winter and the cold about to set in, it will be left to the residents, who want to stay in Washington, IL to hunker down with friends, stay out of town with family or live in hotels until building can commence in the spring.

Plenty of the Washington, IL. citizens are still in town. A large number of the high school students are back in class though the elementary schools won't be in session until Monday, December 2nd.

Dozens upon dozens of students and their families lost their homes and all of their possessions. A good number of teacher also saw many of their life dreams swept up in the storm. Even those who suffered no damage to their homes found that they were impacted by the crippling blow of the tornado.

We will go back to Washington next Wednesday, Dec. 4th. As the media attention fades, we will do our best to keep you abreast of what is happening.

Thanks for your interest and support!!
Dick

The Heartache and Thankfulness is in Abundance

What is one to make of this image from a photo I took today in Washington, IL? There are so many streets and sections of town that look like this; well, it is simply hard to imagine the tragedy and scope of loss that so many thousands of people are feeling right now.

Amid the rubble that I witnessed today, I came away with the realization that Washington is thankful for the fact that so many lives being spared from the wrath of the 170 miles per hour tornado. People are well aware that the loss of life could have been much, much worse. Conditions are great in some sections of Washington while other areas have been reduced to a literal shambles.

While delivering coats and other student supplies to Washington High, today, I found people to be buoyant and upbeat despite the losses. I found people helping neighbors and happy to lend a hand in spite of their own minor losses. We had plenty of volunteers helping us!! Imagine...helping us. It is a true joy to work with people who care so deeply about one another and the outreach afforded by our charity.

I have returned home both thankful for my many blessings but mindful that there is more to do on behalf of the good people of Washington in the days ahead. I assured the people we shall return!

Dick

Washington school supplies

As one might expect, with so many homes either destroyed or partly destroyed, a good number of students in the Washington, IL. school system lost many of their materials. Some lost their school supplies and books while others are without athletic or music resources.

Next Saturday, Nov. 30th Schools Count Corp. will provide pens, backpacks, binders and notebooks to Washington High School. As students start coming back to school after the Thanksgiving holiday they will surely need these supplies. Looking ahead, in a couple of weeks, we will head to Washington to provide them with some winter wear.

As the holidays approach, if you haven't already, please consider making a donation to Schools Count Corp. so that we can help as many people as possible.

Many thanks,
Dick

Washington, IL - 4 Days Later

There are some reports out of Washington, IL that now say up to 1,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed in this hard hit town. Yes, rebuilding will take place but in the meantime the struggles will be many as the winter season is on the horizon.

With so many homes damaged it makes sense that the school age children, and their parents, lost much. Clothes, personals, books, music instruments, furniture. The list is endless. The point is this: the students are going back to school today and are likely to be without many items that they need in the classroom and on the field of play. We can certainly help in this regard.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I can think of no better way to demonstrate our personal thanks for peace, safety, a warm home and the good that we enjoy. Please consider making a donation to Schools Count Corp. in the coming days so that we can help our fellow citizens realize the same joys we are fortunate to realize.

Any donation helps. Simply write a check payable to Schools Count Corp and mail it to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. Note tornado in the memo section.

Thanks for your consideration,
Dick flesher

Latest on Washington, IL

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Washington, IL high school football team went on to win the 5A Championship?!! They are playing in the semi-finals this weekend so I'll be sure to keep you up to date on their hopeful march to Champaign and the championship game.

In just two days, Schools Count Corp has raised over $1300!!! Our goal is to collect $10,000. You can be a part of helping the citizens of Washington, IL to enjoy Thanksgiving next week by donating to the cause. Simply send a check to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. Indicate 'tornado' in the memo section. If it's easier go online at www.schoolscountcorp.org to make a charitable contribution.

We are working with the school nurse at Washington H.S. to find a way to get what is really needed to those most in need. I will keep you posted!!

I have now heard reports of up to 600 buildings damaged or destroyed as a result of the tornado.

Many thanks,
Dick

More on Washington, IL

I am in contact with a couple of churches in Washington, IL. with respect to their needs in light of the horrible devastation wrought by the Sunday tornado. Though we all want to help these folks, I have to tell you that the churches have not been able to sort out their very real needs. Many kind hearted people have sent water, blankets and clothing. Right now, they don't need any more of these items.

Please be so kind as to be patient with these people. They have suffered much and we need to give them the time and space to determine their way forward. To inundate them with supplies and resources that they might not be able to dispense or store just isn't the way to help them.

I can assure those of you who donated, we will bring these people the aid they ask for in due time. Until then please keep them in your thoughts and stay in touch with me going as the days unfold.

In the meantime, feel free to send a donation to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. Make your check payable to Schools Count Corp. Kindly note the word 'tornado' in the memo part of the check. You can certainly donate online by going to www.schoolscountcorp.org.

To date, the estimate is that 400 buildings have been damaged or destroyed. This creates all sorts of attendant problems for these families.

Many thanks,
Dick