Latest news with #IllinoisRedCross
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘They had just gotten the nursey together': Vermilion Co. family loses home in fire
VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A family in Vermilion County is asking for help after a disastrous fire cost them their home. The fire happened this past Saturday in Bismarck at the Mortimore house, and thankfully, nobody was hurt. But it did cost a soon-to-be family of four all of their belongings. Now, they're reaching out to the community for help in rebuilding their lives. Illinois Red Cross asks for donations, provides safety tips as 'Giving Day' approaches The family said they've lost almost all their personal belongings. The fire also destroyed all the gifts they got from their baby shower… which was just two hours before the fire started. Now the family has a couple of months before the baby arrives to recreate their home. 'It's one of those things, like you never think it's going to happen to you, and then it does,' Blake Mortimore said. Devastation hit the Mortimore family on Saturday. A house fire turned their home and everything inside to ash. 'It was terrifying. We didn't really know what was going on. But then a pastor happened to pass by and saw it and came and got us all out,' Sarah Mortimore said. 'A never-ending job'; Danville officials, community leaders call for mentorship amid youth gun violence Sarah is seven months pregnant. She said her entire family — and their two dogs —were able to get out in time. But everything they bought or were gifted for the baby's arrival is now gone. 'We set up the nursery and got it all ready and were excited. And then, in a matter of an hour or two, it was gone,' Sarah said. Sarah's husband, Blake, said they are now looking to the community to help replace what has been lost, including clothes and other baby items. And with just two months until the due date, he said they need support now more than ever. Coles Co. woman pushing to create foster program for animals 'Getting so close. She's two months out, and baby's almost here, and everything's put together and ready to go. And then, before you blink your eyes, there's nothing left. So, pretty bad,' Blake said. The fire's cause is still under investigation. The family also said they will be working with insurance in the coming days to find out the next steps. To learn more on how to help, you can reach out to Sarah directly at SNolen7@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
American Red Cross of Illinois names new Regional CEO
Kellie O'Connell has been named Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois. According to a press release, O'Connell's role of Regional Chief Executive Officer will encompass the entire Illinois Red Cross region. She will be primarily based at the Greater Chicago. O'Connell will lead a team of volunteers and staff, serving more than 12.2 million people in 88 counties across Illinois, parts of Iowa and Missouri headquarters. O'Connell joins the Illinois Red Cross following the departure of former Regional CEO Celena Roldán Sarillo. According to the release: An accomplished and inspiring leader, O'Connell brings a wealth of experience that aligns closely with the Red Cross mission, emphasizing community engagement, equitable access to resources and diversity initiatives. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit and governmental roles, O'Connell has dedicated her career to ensuring access to vital resources for underserved communities. Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Nourishing Hope (formerly Lakeview Pantry). During her tenure, she expanded the organization's food storage and distribution capacity, launched an innovative online market program, grew its mental health and social service offerings, rebranded the organization and forged collaborative partnerships across Chicago. The American Red Cross of Illinois 'I am deeply honored to join the Red Cross and lead this exceptional team of volunteers and staff,' O'Connell said. 'Together, we'll build on the region's strong legacy of service, while exploring new ways to expand our impact and bring hope to those who need it most.' O'Connell holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree in Sociology from Loyola University Chicago. She is a 2019 graduate of Harvard Business School's Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management Executive Education Program. She has been a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and is an active member of the Engagement Committee of the Economic Club of Chicago. O'Connell serves on the executive committee of the board of Guitars Over Guns. About the American Red Cross of Illinois The American Red Cross of Illinois serves communities through a network of five chapters: Central Illinois Greater Chicago Illinois River Valley Quad Cities & Northwest Illinois South & West Central Illinois For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
