Kids & Family

Barrington Family Collecting Supplies to Drive to Tornado-Ravaged Washington

The Gadbois family will drive to Washington, Ill., Sunday to deliver donated supplies that residents can drop-off at their home through the end of the day Saturday. Their idea has also inspired additional collection drives.

"If we have the ability to make a difference in someone's life, we have an obligation to do so," said Barrington resident Kevin Gadbois, whose family plans to travel to tornado-ravaged Washington, Ill. on Sunday to deliver much-needed supplies to the devastated community.

Several tornadoes were reported in downstate Illinois on Sunday, Nov. 17. The hardest hit community was Washington, which has a population of about 15,000. Two people were killed and dozens were injured.

"It could have been our area. feel like we can do something," said Gadbois.

So Gadbois sent out a post on his Facebook asking friends and neighbors to gather up supplies and start dropping them off at his house:

"We feel so lucky to have been spared the brunt of the storms here in the Barrington area. While we certainly can't erase what happened, we do feel a need to do what we can to help. Our family will be traveling to Washington this Sunday, Nov. 24th to bring supplies to the affected. The good folks of Washington would truly appreciate any help you can provide."

Needed Supplies

  • Non-perishable food items 
  • Bottled water 
  • Large Garbage Bags 
  • Toiletries 
  • Gloves, hats, mittens 
  • Clothes 
  • Work Gloves 
  • Cleaning supplies (bleach, buckets, sponges, mops, towels) 
  • Baby Formula 
  • Infant care items 
  • Diapers 
  • Bedding 
  • Duct tape 
  • Toilet paper 
  • Paper towels 
  • Anything else you think will help.
Residents can drop off supplies at the Gadbois home at 105 Old Mill Rd. (south side of Fox Point), in Barrington, before 10 p.m. through the end of the day on Saturday, Nov. 23. Gadbois can be reached at (847) 713-2101.

If it is easier, said Gadbois, residents can also drop off cash and the family will shop for supplies, or they can get Walmart or Visa gift cards which they will deliver to those in need.

Gadbois and his family, wife Jan, BHS junior Sam, and BHS freshman triplets John, Rachel and Kristen are all pitching in. The family plans to load up a truck or trailer and head to Washington on Sunday to deliver the supplies to designated donation sites.

Additional Drop-Off Sites

In addition to the Gadbois home, residents can drop off donations at the Lake Barrington Field House, by way of the Barrington Area Soccer Association, through the end of the week

Mia Sorella, a salon and boutique located at 104 S. Cook St., in Barrington, will also be promoting the donation drive and will serve as a collection site. Cash donations will also be collected during Saturday's Holiday Wine Walk. Everyone who donates will be eligible to win a $100 spa gift certificate.


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