On November 17th, 57 confirmed tornadoes hit the Midwest, ranging from EF0 to EF4. It is reported to be the most violent outbreak of tornadoes ever in the month of November. These tornadoes touched down in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee, the worst of these areas damaged, appears to be in Washington, Illinois. Do Your Part and its partners will be assisting in relief and recovery, along with Holiday Gifts for the Children affected. Photo's courtesy of Michele and Dean.
As with any disaster there is loss. Loss of home, belongings, and in some cases, life. For a child those losses are felt even deeper. They can shake the foundation of safety and security they need to grow, especially during the holidays. When families replace things they need to prioritize and replace those that are required for the family to become functional again such as appliances, furnishings, even homes. Children experience their own feelings of loss, and their needs are much simpler.
A family's love is always critical in the healing process, and love shown by other individuals, even strangers, through letters, a stuffed animal an even a small toy can allow a child to begin their own road to recovery. Even the older child, loves a stuff animal, and a backpack with supplies. This lets them know they haven't been forgotten and they can begin their own personal recovery. Once the children are safe and feel cared for we, as a community, can begin the long road to recovery.
Do Your Part is finding that the long term impact of a child feeling loved by family and, especially, by caring strangers is huge. These children learn to pay it forward, to focus and recognize what is still good in their world, and to feel safe and secure. It is the hope of this organization that these children grow up strong and compassionate adults who will continue to help and improve our society.
