ROBINSON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)– Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker spoke in Robinson Sunday, addressing the next steps for the community following the storm that took three lives and displaced dozens of families on Friday.
He praised first responders across their state for their efforts, and said he had talked to federal officials to ensure the community had access to as many resources as possible in the coming weeks and months.
“I also spoke to the federal FEMA director, and the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure access is given to all federal resources for this community,” he said.
Pritzker also said he spoke to local utility companies– and they hope to have power restored to all houses in the area by Monday.
He also thanked local and state officials for the work they’ve done in the past 48 hours, and called on residents around Illinois to show their support for the communities impacted by the disaster.
“Take a moment today to offer a prayer for the Robinson community, for the people of Crawford County, as well as for all Americans who have suffered at the hands of this weekend’s storms,” he said.
The outpour of support those around Crawford County have already seen was evident inside Highland Church of Christ, which has been acting as a donations hub the past two days. Lead minister Shane Bopp said they have basic materials like food, water, clothes and more for those in need.
“Our biggest challenge now is really getting it distributed. What we need for our community to know now is come and get. We have it here, we need them to come and get it,” he said.
Volunteers worked throughout the weekend to sort and gather materials– and they received so much that Crawford County board chairman Bill Burke said they no longer need donations.
“In all honestly, donations right now I think we’re good on if you’re bringing stuff to us. We got a church that’s already full, we ask if you want to donate, take it to another area that needs it, right now we’re good,” he said. “We appreciate it, it’s been phenomenal, what we received and what we got.”
Bopp said they are considering trying to make materials more accessible for those around the area by setting up in different places. He said the past few days have shown the strength of their community.
“It is a small community where we know each other, and so everyone wants to jump in and help. We’re really grateful for that,” he said.
Donations can be picked up during office hours at the church, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
County officials also say a curfew is still in effect for those in heavily-damaged areas, and a boil order is still active for several communities around the county.
You can find out more information on Crawford County’s EMA Facebook page
