Funds are set up to aid residents in Addison, Elmhurst

Local funds have been set up in Addison and Elmhurst to helpresidents washed out in recent floods.

In Elmhurst, applications are already out in churches, storesand the York State Bank, where an account has been set up, said CarolGroeschel, executive vice president of the Chamber of Commerce.

"These funds are not a loan, won't have to be repaid and are notintended to interfere or conflict with efforts of churches, the RedCross or any other group meeting basic needs," she said.

The fund was established Monday after a meeting of business,civic and church officials. Donations can be sent to the ElmhurstFlood Disaster Relief Fund at the York State Bank, 536 S. York Rd.,Elmhurst 60126. Groeschel said a Sept. 21 deadline has been set fordonations and applications for assistance.

Relief committee members will decide on fund allocations,Groeschel said.

Sam Daddono was the moving force for the Addison Flood ReliefBenefit Fund, according to village clerk Panorea Lekkas and DebbieLieggi, his first two collaborators. None of the three sufferedflood damage.

Daddono, who sells insurance (but not flood insurance) said hewas moved by the suffering of flood victims, many of them without themeans to recover quickly.

"You appreciate it didn't happen to you, but you sympathize withthe victims," Daddono said. "You want to reach out to them."

Daddono, who is active in village civic affairs, brought hisidea to Lekkas Monday, and she enlisted Lieggi, another activist.They have set up a meeting for volunteers Wednesday at 8 p.m. in theAddison Library, 235 N. Kennedy Dr.

The Addison fund, like Elmhurst's, is aimed at people with largeuninsured flood losses. Contributions to the fund should be sent tothe Household Bank, 625 Army Trail Rd., Addison 60101.