The tornado that hit Kankakee and Aroma Park did more than just devastate property. They devastated spirit. It's the reason why Chicago volunteers were there to help Thursday.
Thursday, March 26, 2026 9:59PMThe tornado that hit Kankakee and Aroma Park did more than just devastate property. They devastated spirit. It's the reason why Chicago volunteers were there to help Thursday.
Free groceries mean feeding her family is one less thing Michelle Nelson has to worry about as she and others struggle to recover."We need a new roof, new siding. My car has $16,000 worth of damage, and that's just one car, not even a second car," Nelson said. The act of kindness is the work of Chicago-area group Black Men United, and is in response to a community in need. "We are definitely our brothers' and sisters' keeper. The Bible talks about where the strong must meet the infirmity of the week. And Black Man United was built on service," Bishop John Harrell said. Leaders of the faith-based organization, which looks to promote a positive narrative about Black men while strengthening the relationship between the community and the church, partnered with World Vision and an army of volunteers to make the day happen. "For the destruction that they had, we just came down to make a difference," volunteer Donyell Wynn said. "So this is actually just one truckload. It's a massive undertaking," said Jaryl Pool, with World Vision Chicago Storehouse. On March 10, a tornado ripped through Kankakee and Aroma Park to claim the life of one resident, while leaving behind a path of destruction."Whatever extra money I've got, I have to go back and forth because I still have my animals to take care of. So yeah, it makes a whole big difference," Aroma Park resident Colleen Lambert said. On Thursday morning, essential supplies were delivered to the parking lot of the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Kankakee, where they were given to impacted residents like Carol Burt, whose roof was damaged by the storms.Those there were offered hot food, as well as canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies.Many said the greatest gifts given were love and kindness. "Gives you a big amount of faith in humanity and everything," Aroma Park resident June Breckenridge said.Organizers say their efforts will not stop with Thursday's event.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chicago Democrat Suggests Sheridan Gorman ‘Might Have Startled’ Illegal Alien Accused of Murdering HerSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
Chicago man accused of synagogue shooting threat, targeting Israeli official released on bondFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
CVS announces plans to open first-of-its-kind pharmacy in ChicagoCVS Pharmacy is opening a first-of-its-kind store in Chicago.
Read more »
911 calls released from night of deadly EF3 tornado in Kankakee County; residents still recoveringOfficials say nearly 500 buildings were damaged, and about 30 homes were destroyed.
Read more »
UChicago students use historic maps, state-of-the-art technology to bring Chicago neighborhood history to lifeUChicago students use historic maps, new technology to bring Chicago history to life
Read more »
Emergency agencies assess, document damage from deadly Kankakee County tornadoCounty, state and federal damage assessment teams toured tornado damage in Kankakee County Wednesday.
Read more »