Sue sent a message to Edward Lampert – Chairman and CEO of Sears Holdings – Email Address that said:
Dear Mr. Lambert,
Perhaps you heard on the news that a gas explosion rock the town of Canton, Illinois, this week. It occurred at Canton's downtown square, killing one workman, injuring several others, and causing considerable damage to many small businesses within nine square blocks. Many buildings will need repairs taking weeks, and some have been or soon will be declared structurally unsound. As we approach the Christmas shopping season, most of these businesses have no place to go.
I am writing to ask you to consider offering the use of our closed KMart building for those businesses to work through this period of time so essential to their livelihoods, essentially turning it into a mini-mall, perhaps even providing electricity, water, and heat. Canton has not been rocked by fire, flood, or earthquake as many other areas have, but this event will drastically affect the business community and the lives of many businesspeople in our community.
You can read about the explosion at ...
or
.
Many other posts available by Googling "Explosion in Canton, Illinois". Some clear photos showing the aftermath are posted on Facebook by Andrew. What the photos will not show you is the building that is missing.
Thank you for considering this. I have no idea what the complexities might be in such a venture or if our community would find this as helpful as it sounds to me. If you are willing to discuss this possibility, please contact Mayor Fritz or the director of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, Amanda
I have no stake in this request; I am a retired teacher, not a businessperson. This request comes to mind because I live near KMart and see that empty building every day. Our community could use this emergency assistance. If this possibility appeals to you, please contact Jeff or Amanda today, if possible.
Actually, please call the mayor. The Chamber of Commerce office is located in the building with a hole in it.
Sincerely,
Sue
