As we come close to the one year anniversary of the 2021 Woodridge Father’s Day tornado, we wanted to take a moment to say how grateful we are for all of the outpouring of support that our community has felt. It is hard to believe that a year has almost gone by, and we have been continuing to work on our disaster recovery plans that are still in full effect. We are not 100% back on our feet, but we are thankful for the generosity of both Woodridge civilians and families, as well as neighboring townships, who have lent a helping hand thus far as we try to reach our new “normal”.
If you are new to our cause, you may be wondering how Neighbors Helping Neighbors came to be! On June 20, 2021 (Father’s Day) at approximately 11:10 PM – according to the National Weather Service – an EF-3 tornado hit the communities of Naperville, Woodridge, Darien, Burr Ridge and Willow Springs. The impacts of the tornadoes (estimated to be 3 tornadoes by the NWS) have been devastating on many levels for us all.
At that moment, our community banded together and created a grass-roots, neighborly outreach program to provide both immediate and long-term recovery assistance; Woodridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors Disaster Recovery.
Our mission is simple: Through compassion, kindness, and generosity, Woodridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors is devoted to uniting the Woodridge community around disaster recovery, and providing disaster relief assistance and support to Woodridge residents and families whose lives have been adversely affected by a recent disaster.
Since the tornado, 3 other disasters have taken place in Woodridge, which only strengthens our determination to provide assistance to each other during these unexpected and trying occurrences.
With the inspiration from all the neighbors, volunteers, donors, and helping hands, we formed Woodridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors in July 2021. And, as of January 2022, we officially received our 501c3 organization status with Woodridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors Disaster Recovery.
We don’t just hope to serve our community, but also are inspired to help the neighboring communities around us, so that they may feel prepared and supported if and when disasters may strike.
We believe communities like ours can get through hard times such as these, and we will be right by your side supporting you, for however long it takes.
We are determined to continue our assistance program, and will be sharing the latest news about Neighbors Helping Neighbors on our website. Please keep a lookout for more news as we continue our mission to serve others!
IMPORTANTLY, We ask that every person/family build a EMERGENCY PLAN to help you be PREPARED for if a disaster.
Check your Insurance Policies Annually and ask questions about your coverage and making sure that you have all the proper coverage.
Resources include The Illinois Department of Insurance
The American Red Cross
And, if you need legal advice you may qualify for help from Prarie State Legal Services (Wheaton, Illinois)
Thank you so much and please take good care!