As we load up our gear and head out to help after the latest round of tornadoes, we’re reflecting on how fortunate we’ve been this year.

While 2026 has seen its share of large and powerful tornadoes, many have struck less populated areas or only portions of communities, resulting in dozens of homes damaged or destroyed rather than entire towns being devastated.

That doesn’t lessen the loss for the families affected—every home matters, and every community feels the impact. But we’re grateful we haven’t yet seen the widespread destruction of recent years.

In 2024, the EF-4 tornado in Greenfield, Iowa, flattened 153 homes and changed a community forever. In 2025, the record-setting 1.8-mile-wide tornado in the St. Louis area damaged roughly 5,000 buildings and left about 1,500 structures beyond repair.

As tornado season continues, we’re thankful that many lives have been spared, while keeping those who have suffered loss in our thoughts. And as always, we’ll be ready to help wherever we’re needed.

The March 10 tornado that struck Lake Village, Indiana stayed on the ground for miles, carving a long path through parts of Indiana and Illinois and leaving a lasting mark on the region. The strength and resilience of the farming communities across IL and IN have been incredible to witness, and we’re grateful we could volunteer alongside so many others who showed up ready to help. It’s that shared spirit of support and connection that truly defines these communities, even in the face of something so destructive.

The recent tornado in Michigan was an incredibly rare event—both for its strength and how early in the season it occurred—something most communities may never experience. We were so grateful for the opportunity to help and it was truly inspiring to see volunteers step up, offering their time and support to help those affected. In the wake of such an unusual disaster, the generosity and care people show is what leaves a lasting impact.

An inch of frozen rain caused the worst ice storm damage Mississippi and Tennessee have seen in decades, as trees and power lines fell everywhere. Right after the storm, arctic air rolled in, dropping temperatures into the single digits and teens across Tennessee and northern Mississippi for over a week and making it difficult to simply drive around and get to those in need. Our main focus has been removing trees from people’s driveways, yards, and roofs to help clear the way to recovery.