On the evening of Monday, June 19, the community of London, Texas, endured a thunderstorm that brought punishing winds, golf ball-sized hail, and up to 8 inches of rain. No major injuries were reported, yet damage to buildings, homes, barns, and vehicles is widespread.

London Grocery & Grill, located just across US 377 from the legendary London Dance Hall, was dealt a particularly rough blow. The tin roof was ripped from the second story of the building, exposing the upstairs living quarters to the punishing elements. When the storm passed it was clear the living space and the business below will remain uninhabitable for the foreseeable future.

Before electricity was cut to the first floor, Grocery & Grill owner Sherri Ivy and her crew were able to empty all refrigerated coolers and disperse that food where it was needed most. The Meals on Wheels program in Junction was the primary recipient.

The Ivy family is a generational staple in the small Kimble County town. Sheri, daughter of the late Billy Ivy, has carried on what she knows best- good business in exceedingly difficult economic times. As of now, damage sustained from the storm has left 4 people without income within the Grocery & Grill. Two people are without a home.

There has been some local response, and the community has helped one another, but the need for certain resources is a serious one. As cleanup continues in the 110-degree-temperatures, fans, and dehumidifiers- provided by The Menard Mission Team- have been working overtime. Once anything salvageable is saved and ruined ceiling tiles, insulation and carpet is hauled out, the question of where to go from here will become a priority.

The resource most needed now is simply- funds. Funds to acquire the appropriate professionals to evaluate the damage, safety, options moving forward... Funds to help in replacing the income of the jobs lost. We all know bills and general expenses don't stop despite loss of income. Funds to recoup what was spent on those groceries generously donated to the community- there will be no Grill customers to take care of that. Funds for peace of mind- to lessen a bit of the stress on the Ivy family and those involved.

London Dance Hall will be in the works for a fundraising event to benefit their neighbors, and no doubt locals will pull together for related causes. Right now, I am calling on you all to fill the immediate need- your donations via this platform go directly to the Ivy family via Sheri's daughter Dawn. Please keep the town in your prayers as they work hard to rebuild their little slice of historic hill country heaven. When you're driving through, be sure to stop by the London Short Stop next door to top off the fuel tank and grab your snacks and drinks.

For future ways to be involved, please keep your eyes on this fundraiser or The Menard News (on Facebook @MenardNews or online menardnews.com) for upcoming events. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and donations as London, Texas moves forward.