Buffalo Grove police, fire lead relief effort for tornado victims

First-responders who live in the tornado-ravaged areas of downstate Illinois have a little more food, clothing, supplies and a supply of gift cards, thanks to the work of the Buffalo Grove Fire and Police departments — and all the people who contributed to the effort.

Fire Chief Terry Vavra said the departments conducted a clothing, food and, mostly, gift card drive that, over three days raised more than $8,600.

On Nov. 26, members of both departments traveled to Pekin, Washington and Coal City in a caravan of three vehicles.

“We gave away 50 contractor bags filled with used clothing, because by the time we had collected the clothing, the Red Cross had said, ‘We don’t want any more used clothing.’” Vavra said. “So we gave those to other organizations.”

Vavra said the dry goods and gift cards were distributed among 21 first responders who had lost their homes or sustained significant damage.

The team included Hector De la Paz, Frank and Melessa Horbus, Dan Pasquarella, Michael Rodriguez, Randy Smith, Ross Valstyn and Roy Bethge.

Vavra said they heard some moving stories, including one related by two state troopers. They went down into the basement, “and when they came up, there was no house,” Vavra said. “It was down to the flooring.”

Vavra said the devastation the team encountered was unbelievable.

“We’re just glad that we could make a difference in their lives in a small way.”

Vavra thanked Northwest Suburban High School District 214, which donated a truck and driver, as well as the village public works department.

Buffalo Grove High School cheerleaders, plus students in District 211, at Stevenson High School and elsewhere, made hygiene kits that were taken Downstate.

Vavra also thanked the police departments of Gurnee and Vernon Hills and the fire department of Rolling Meadows for donating a significant number of gift cards.

“It was truly a team effort,” he said.