Tens of thousands of dollars in donations will expand the reach of the volunteer group of union laborers that responds to major natural disasters across Central and Southern Illinois.
The Laborers’ Disaster Relief Team responds with union workers – who don’t get paid for their efforts – as well as equipment to help in the immediate aftermath of tornadoes and other damaging storms.
The group was most recently deployed after the March 31 tornado that hit Sherman. Since then, the group has taken in more than $60,000 in donations – including a single $50,000 check from Springfield businessman Frank Vala and his wife Linda.
That money will pay for trailers to haul equipment, not just for the local LDRT, but for two satellite groups to be based in East St. Louis and Marion.
