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In the Metro East, after many calls, a little help from a retired employee and multiple District 8 workers rallying behind their cause, a family stranded at the Silver Lake Rest Area on eastbound I-70 near Highland were able to get back to Pennsylvania.
It all started when the family’s vehicle broke down on the interstate in late February. Illinois State Police initially helped get them and their vehicle to the rest area, but when the family contacted a mechanic to get the car fixed, they were told the engine was too far gone.
IDOT’s district office in Collinsville was made aware of the situation and began figuring out a way to get them home. As they researched, they found the family did not have a credit card, so they could not rent a car. And a bus or train would not accommodate their pets.
The staff of District 8 quickly mobilized to help.
Project Manager Jessica Watkins, who works for the company that cleans the rest areas, volunteered to rent a vehicle and drive them home if the district could get enough donations to cover the cost and find accommodations for the pets, which would need to be kenneled to travel.
District 8 Operations Field Engineer Timothy Price reached out through his wife’s animal rescue contacts and got three kennels donated by the St. Clair County Animal Control, which also donated $100.
District 8 Bureau Chief of Operations Joe Monroe reached out to former Operations Secretary Kay Whitecotton, who retired a couple of years ago and now works for St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland. St. Paul Outreach, affiliated with the church, donated $500.
Highway Maintainer Mike Elliott donated $20.
Staff also donated hoodies, hand warmers, a hot pot to make warm meals, hygiene products and rides to Walmart.
“This was an unfortunate situation for the family. The extreme cold made it even worse,” said Price. “It was a great example of people coming together as a team to help someone in need.”
The efforts paid off when Watkins picked up a rental van on a Saturday morning and drove the family home.
She got a hotel room that night, driving back to Illinois on Sunday.
“I want to acknowledge everyone who stepped up to assist in this difficult situation,” said Monroe. “Each person involved, whether offering their time, resources, or financial support, played a key role in addressing the issue. It was encouraging to see such a strong, collective effort from all those who helped the family and their pets during a challenging time.”
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