In August, a type of severe windstorm called a derecho tore across the Midwest, traveling over 750 miles in 14 hours, spawning multiple tornadoes and leaving severe damage in its wake. In Iowa alone, thousands of homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed, 10 million acres of crops were ruined and many were left without power for days on end. A lightning strike and subsequent fire destroyed a South Dakota senior housing facility, 15 tornadoes tore through northern Illinois and many communities in lower Michigan endured torrential rainfall.
Lutheran Disaster Response is actively engaging with the Southeastern Iowa Synod, Western Iowa Synod, Northeastern Iowa Synod and Lutheran Services in Iowa to develop a collaborative approach for response and recovery in Iowa. Lutheran Disaster Response is also communicating regularly with other synods and social ministry organizations across the Midwest to assess damage and assist where needed. We expect immediate needs may include temporary shelter and replacing food lost during the power outages, while long-term recovery may include rebuilding homes and livelihoods, disaster case management and supporting vulnerable populations.
Your gifts will support storm survivors. Gifts to "U.S. Severe Storms" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by severe storms until the response is complete.
By mail
Make checks payable to
Lutheran Disaster Response,
Write "U.S. Severe Storms" on your check's memo line and send to:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
ELCA Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA 22116-8009
By phone
Call 800-638-3522 to make a donation with a credit card. Operators are ready to assist you Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Central Time.
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. The ELCA’s tax identification number is 41-1568278.