Fox Lake Neighbors Unite to Deliver Sandbags in Floods

When floodwaters surged through Fox Lake, Illinois, neighbors didn't wait for someone else to help. They grabbed shovels and started filling sandbags.

Over several days in late April, dozens of volunteers gathered at the Fox Lake Public Works Department to prepare and deliver sandbags to homes and businesses. They worked every evening until darkness fell, creating protective barriers against rising water.

Volunteer Joy Hamm says the devastation broke her heart, which is why she had to act. "We're all just trying to stick together and help each other out and that's what I love about this town," she told reporters.

The volunteer effort made a real difference for local business owners like Lu Zabavlemko, co-owner of Johnny's Pizza Café. She faced an impossible choice when waters rose: save her car or save her restaurant.

She chose the restaurant. Within 30 hours, floodwaters had surrounded the building, but volunteers rushed to help her crew build a sandbag wall even as the water climbed before their eyes.

Her car ended up nearly submerged, but the café was protected. "With the help of our crew and our wonderful Fox Lake community, we had a lot of volunteers who came out," Zabavlemko said.

Public Works Director Steven Wirch watched the community response with pride. "It's been a great experience to see the community come together and help each other out," he said.

The Ripple Effect

The flood brought more than just challenges. Zabavlemko says the crisis introduced her to people she'd never met before, turning strangers into friends through shared effort.

While Fox Lake on the Chain O' Lakes has crested and is slowly receding, Wirch reminds residents the work isn't finished. Despite sunny weather returning, the danger remains until water levels drop completely.

The sandbag operation continues, and so does the neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit that defines this Illinois community. When crisis struck, Fox Lake residents proved that the best flood defense isn't just sandbags—it's people who care.