Couples Load Up Supplies for Oklahoma Tornado Victims at HMS

A pair of area couples took action this week to provide support to those in need.

John and Kristin Meyer of Westmont and Adam and Erica Miklaszewski of Villa Park loaded up two 12-foot trailers full of food, clothing, and other donated items Thursday evening at Hinsdale Middle School before departing at 4 a.m. for the Oklahoma City area, where the supplies will go to those affected by the devastating tornadoes earlier this week. 

Kristin Meyer said she was working on a bible study Monday when the idea hit her. 

"I turned the TV on and saw all the destruction and texted Erica and said, 'Hey, are you up for a road trip,' and just felt kind of called to help everyone and felt called to serve," Meyer said.

The Meyers and Miklaszewskis, all four of whom are St. Isaac Jogues parishioners, sent out one email each to family and friends asking for donations, and before they knew it, the collection went viral.  

"It has literally just been friends of friends of friends who have forwarded the email around and been extremely generous," Meyer said. 

The email eventually made its way to HMS Principal Ruben Pena, who sent out an notice to the District 181 email list and allowed his school to be the loading site.

"It's just awesome," Pena said Thursday as he helped the couples load the donations. 

Adam Miklaszewski said the community's response has exceeded by far their expectations.

"We were hoping to fill a pickup truck," he said. 

The couples plan to deliver to Infant Crisis Services and Oakcrest Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. Miklaszewski being an Illinois state trooper, they will also donate items to law enforcement families in need. Whatever they have left over will be given to the local branch of Goodwill.