Kankakee Library reunites tornado survivors with lost treasures after EF-3 disaster
The Kankakee Public Library has stepped in to help residents recover lost belongings after an EF-3 tornado struck the county. Since 2019, its "Lost and Found" Facebook page has reunited over 500 items with their owners. Now, it's playing a key role in returning treasured possessions scattered by the storm.
Lisa Gerth and her family survived the tornado by taking shelter in their basement. Their home, however, was completely destroyed—including irreplaceable photos stored in the attic. Like many others, Gerth feared these memories were gone forever.
Vicki Forquer, who manages the library's lost-and-found efforts, has been collecting items found across the county. Among the recovered belongings are photos, stuffed animals, and even a wedding veil. Forquer also discovered a driver's licence and has been using Facebook to notify owners. When Gerth saw a post about her photos, she was relieved. The library confirmed they were safe and ready for collection. She now plans to retrieve them as soon as possible. The initiative has grown since its launch in 2019. What began as a small community service has become a vital resource, especially after disasters. The library holds all found items until owners come forward to claim them.
The tornado left many families without homes or personal keepsakes. Thanks to the library's efforts, hundreds of lost items have been returned to their rightful owners. Residents like Gerth can now reclaim pieces of their past, one recovered memory at a time.
