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.