Kids & Family

Mokena Family from Washington Collecting Supplies for Tornado Victims

Matt and Yvette Hodges, along with several volunteers, will collect items at Brookhaven Marketplace this week and deliver the needed supplies to disaster victims in the Washington area.

Matt and Yvette Hodges have lived in Mokena since 1990, but their roots will always be in Washington, Illinois.

Upon seeing the devastation in their birthplace, following tornadoes that tore through the area Sunday, they knew they needed to help their friends and loved ones still there.

“My uncle and aunt lost their house and a lot of friends are displaced out of their homes,” said Matt Hodges. “We made a few calls, and asked the question. Fortunately people said yes.”

Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Starting Thursday through Sunday, the Hodges and other volunteers will be in front of Brookhaven Marketplace, 19818 S. LaGrange Road, collecting non-perishable food, toiletries, batteries and other supplies to then deliver to the storm ravaged area. 

Washington might be the Hodges’ original home, but they have more than embraced Mokena.

Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Matt Hodges has served with the Mokena Baseball Softball Association and with the Mokena Burros, and Yvette was the president of a Mokena-based Parent Teacher Association, Matt Hodges said. Both have participated in efforts by the Good Neighbors of Mokena as well.

“There’s a great outreach network here,” Matt Hodges said. “We figured we’ve helped people in need before, it’s time now to pay back the people who did things for me while I was growing up in Washington.” 

The Hodges have known each other for 43 years, after first meeting in kindergarten. College took them to different locations, but they reunited and got married afterward.

Mokena reminds them a great deal of Washington, Matt Hodges said.

“It has aspects of a rural area, but it’s a town,” Matt Hodges said. “That’s how we fell in love with Mokena.”

Integrity Signs offered one of their trucks to ship the collected items and store until delivery, and Auburn Plumbing is providing another truck to take the items to Washington.

“We thought it was a good time to use our network and help out where we can,” Matt Hodges said.

Collection times

Volunteers will be collecting items in front of Brookhaven Marketplace, 19818 S. LaGrange Road, on the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, 11/21: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
  • Friday, 11/22: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
  • Saturday, 11/23: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Sunday, 11/24: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Items to donate

  • non-perishable food items
  • bottled water
  • large garbage bags
  • toiletries (razors, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, etc.)
  • work gloves
  • bleach
  • buckets
  • sponges
  • mops
  • towels
  • baby formula
  • infant care items
  • diapers
  • flashlights
  • batteries
  • manual can openers
  • aspirin
  • duct tape
  • matches
  • scissors
  • toilet paper
  • paper towel
  • female hygiene products
  • gas cards
  • gift cards

Call Matt Hodges at 630-306-4911 with questions.

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