Sauk Valley Hurricane Relief | For Immediate Release
**For Immediate Release:**
Contact: Pastor Drew Williams
Phone: (815) 499-6552
Email: office@nllutheran.com
Website: https://nllutheran.com
Sauk Valley Hurricane Relief
*Local Community Joins Forces to Provide Hurricane Relief for Asheville, NC Residents*
Sterling, IL – October 29, 2024 – New Life Lutheran Church is calling on local churches, businesses, and community members to join a growing circle of support for the people of Asheville, North Carolina, who are rebuilding after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. This community-led effort aims to collect supplies and donations in time for a large shipment that will depart for Asheville on Thursday, November 21, just ahead of Thanksgiving.
The relief shipment follows two prior deliveries that brought much-needed supplies, from food and baby formula to chainsaws and generators, to families in need. These efforts have already generated over $9,000 in supplies and transportation funds, and the latest shipment will be the largest yet. Thanks to the generosity of the local community, a church member has donated a new 28-foot enclosed trailer capable of hauling up to 10 tons of supplies.
“Our goal this time is to bring our whole community together in the name of Jesus to help those facing both the immediate and long-term impacts of Hurricane Helene,” says Pastor Drew Williams of New Life Lutheran Church. “We’re seeing neighbors, businesses, and churches step up in an incredible way, and it’s inspiring to witness how God is at work through all of us.”
The call to action is clear: New Life Lutheran Church is asking for donations of new warm clothing, including jackets, socks, blankets, and winter essentials, as Asheville prepares for the cold months ahead. Additional requests include sleeping bags, tents, tarps, generators, and cash donations, which will help equip the people of Asheville with the essentials they need to stay safe and begin the rebuilding process.
One Asheville resident who received supplies from a previous shipment expressed deep gratitude for the support, sharing, “Helene has broken many here, and y’all are a light in what I consider a war-torn community. The hurt and rebuilding will be here for generations, but so will the thankfulness for y’all and God’s grace. Thank you for the food, money, time, feeding, driving, tiredness—everything… We love you and your community, just can’t say it enough.”
Community Donation Details:
Who: Open to all local residents, businesses, and churches
What: Donations of new warm clothing, blankets, winter essentials, rescue supplies (chainsaws, generators), and cash donations
Where: New Life Lutheran Church, 702 W Lynn Blvd, Sterling, IL 61081
When: Office Hours M-Th 8:30am – 3pm
Deadline: Thursday, November 21, 2024
This season, New Life Lutheran Church invites the entire community to come together in the spirit of compassion and service, offering their support to neighbors in Asheville. Through generosity and unity, New Life Lutheran and the Sterling community will continue to share hope, helping those in need rebuild their lives.
ABOUT NEW LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH
New Life Lutheran Church has been a dedicated community partner in Sterling, Illinois, for over 14 years. Under the leadership of Pastor Drew Williams, the church organizes outreach initiatives that bring practical assistance and spiritual support to those in need. The church’s mission-driven projects, including the annual Sauk Valley Serve Day and partnerships with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, extend care to local communities and beyond. All are welcome to join New Life Lutheran for services on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at 702 W Lynn Blvd, Sterling, IL 61081.
