Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Want to Help Local Family After Fire? Here's How

Friends of the Chudziks are collecting donations to buy gift cards, as well as items of clothing for the family of five whose house was gutted by a fire Jan. 2.

  • UPDATED (11:54 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5): Information about the Chicago Ultimate Volleyball Club.
  • UPDATED (8:42 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5): Information about the Lincolnway Special Recreation Area.

. Although no one was hurt, the blaze did leave the house "completely gutted," according to a battalion chief from the .

Friends of the family are doing what they can for the Chudziks, donating clothing and other items.

"It's been wonderful. People have been very supportive," said Len Chudzik, adding that the family's church, , also has offered to help by donating food once the family moves into temporary housing later this week.

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

Although the insurance inspectors have yet to visit what's left of the house, Chudzik said the damage is extensive, and he'll tour the house Thursday to see what items can be salvaged, especially those with sentimental value. He said he and his wife think they found some photos and videos that might have survived, and they hope they can be restored.

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

Ultimately, Chudzik said he's glad no one was hurt because of the fire. His wife, their youngest son and their two dogs were home when the blaze started.

"My wife did a great job of getting everyone out," Chudzik said.

Michele Jurgens and a friend are accepting donations to buy gift cards, as well as clothing items. The following are the sizes for the individual members of the family of five:

  • Husband: XL, 36-32
  • Oldest son: Men's, L 32-34
  • Youngest son: Boys size 12
  • Daughter: Women's medium
  • Wife: Women's L, size 10

To make a donation, contact Jurgens at 708-494-4257 or call 708-712-7054 and ask for Kelly.

NEW ITEM! Tom Krauss, webmaster for the , posted in the comments section that the organization is collecting gift cards and donations for the family. They can be dropped off until 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at the LWSRA office on LaGrange Road.

The Ultimate Volleyball Club in Frankfort also is accepting clothing donations for the Chudziks. People can drop them off at by 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5. 

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Other friends are trying to start a charitable trust fund for the family, but they're having some difficulty with the process. If you have any background in this area and can offer advice, post your contact information in the comments section or e-mail me at joev@patch.com.

Also, if you know of other individuals or groups who are collecting donations for the Chudziks, leave that information in the comments section and on the Frankfort Patch Facebook page. I will keep updating this story.


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