Glen Ellyn Park District Workers Assist Tornado Relief Efforts
GLEN ELLYN, IL – Four members of the Glen Ellyn Park District maintenance staff – Brian Cannaday, Dave Rajeck, Tim Leonard and Kevin Blum – joined the efforts to bring relief to Washington, IL after the area was devastated by a tornado on November 17. The Illinois Association of Park Districts (I.A.P.D.) helped organize relief efforts on behalf of the Illinois Park Districts and put out a request for assistance to its association members.
The staff, led by Parks Foreman Brian Cannady, arrived to work their first shift on Friday, November 22 with equipment in tow. In addition to two dump trucks the team brought a skid loader with a grapple bucket that was donated by Vince Schavone & Ed Reid of West Side Tractor Sales Company in Naperville. Equipment was in great need and demand at the site.
“President Kinzler and the Park District Board members were supportive of assisting those devastated areas with manpower and equipment. When the maintenance staff was approached about helping out, there was way more staff willing to go then available spots!” said Dave Harris, Glen Ellyn Park District Executive Director.
The team worked two twelve hour shifts on Friday and Saturday helping to remove debris and assisting wherever possible. Work took place in the evening and throughout the night as the local residents are required to leave and a strict curfew is enforced.
The Illinois Association of Park Districts has also organized efforts to assist several park professionals at the Washington Park District that were personally affected by the tornado. To date, over $8,000 has been raised for the Park District Relief Fund, with 100% of the donations collected being used to assist park district families in need. Donations are being accepted online at https://ilparks.site-ym.com/donations/donate.asp?id=8967.
For more information on the Glen Ellyn Park District, please visit www.gepark.org. Additional information on the Illinois Association of Park Districts can be found on https://ilparks.site-ym.com/.
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About the Glen Ellyn Park District
Established in 1919, Glen Ellyn Park District's mission is "driven to foster diverse, community based leisure opportunities, through a harmonious blend of quality recreation programs, facilities and open space which will enhance the quality of life into the future."
The Park District serves 35,000 residents in Glen Ellyn and unincorporated Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, Lombard and Wheaton. The Park District owns and maintains 30 parks and facilities and offers cultural, athletic and general interest programs and special events for its residents, from infants through seniors.