2.28.2017

For many, this date has changed their lives forever. Tornadoes terrorized the small town of Naplate, Illinois and the south-side of Ottawa, Illinois. Homes and businesses were demolished. Two lives were lost and others were seriously endangered. But, despite the tragedy, despite any differences the people in this area have, affected or not, have come together to help those in need.

No matter what high school they go to students worked together the day after the storm to clean up, setting up gofundme pages for those who lost practically everything. Restaurants opened early, serving first responders, firemen, policemen, emergency doctors and nurses free breakfasts; churches held lunch for those who lost and had nowhere else to go; Ottawa High School opened its gym as a center of relief for those in need; the YMCA opened its doors for childcare, showers, and those in need of a get away; Shanley's is offering removal of appliances and free delivery of new ones; the Beaute Bar is offering free hair washes to those affected; Marquette Academy grade school is collecting donations to distribute; Handy Foods is distributing food vouchers; Perry Chiropractic is offering free services to help keep those doing clean up aligned and free of injury

When crisis hits a small town, that crisis should beware. Beware a community that is stronger than any disaster. A community that will rise from disaster to rebuild and renew, as one.