Last night, a severe storm hit downtown Freeport, Illinois, and caused significant damage to Royal Oaks Antiques & Collectables, the store my father, Steve Schlamp, has owned and operated for 13 years. When I saw a picture of the damage, my friend Andrew and I rushed over to see what happened and to make sure Steve was okay. He was already there, and we stayed to help him clean up until 2:30 in the morning. The front of the building had collapsed outward, and while it could have been much worse, the damage is still devastating. The city has now condemned the building, which means my dad can't even go inside to sell any items or begin repairs.

This store is more than just a business for my dad—it's his pride and joy, and it's his only source of income now that he's retired. For over a decade, Steve has poured his life savings, pension, and heart into making Royal Oaks a landmark in Freeport. He and my stepmom, Karen, have lived in Freeport their whole lives and are always giving back, from running the store to helping with city landscaping projects. Unfortunately, after more than 10 years of insurance, my dad discovered he had no outside coverage for this kind of damage. Now, all the costs of cleanup and repairs fall on him and Karen, who are both retired and rely on the store for their livelihood.

Please help my dad and stepmom restore Royal Oaks Antiques & Collectables to the beautiful building it once was. Any support you can give will help them cover the costs of repairs, cleanup, and daily living while they work to reopen. Your kindness will make a real difference for two people who have always given so much to their community. Thank you for anything you can give!