Community Aid Effort Following Northwest Indiana Derecho Storm

Over 70 volunteers from various organizations gathered Wednesday afternoon at Haven Hollow Park in Portage Township. They prepared to distribute essential items like tarps, bottled water, flashlights, charcoal, diapers, hygiene products, toys, children’s books, hot meals, sandwiches, and snacks. This effort supported those left without power after a derecho hit Northwest Indiana on August 11.

Pat Greek from the South Haven Lions Club provided food to Patti Burton during the Portage Township Trustee’s Office storm recovery event at Haven Hollow Park. The event offered township residents various necessary items to help them cope with the storm’s aftermath.

The storm brought intense straight-line winds clocked at 99 mph. These conditions uprooted trees, knocked down utility poles and lines, and destroyed homes while bringing heavy rains. According to NIPSCO, power should be restored fully in Portage and Gary by August 25.

“All right, who’s ready?” asked Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy as the line of cars expanded. “Let’s do this!”

Volunteers worked over two hours, loading cars—and even a wagon and a golf cart—with supplies. Clancy praised the rapid organization, noting help from community partners. They assisted around 230 families, despite many volunteers also lacking power.

Clancy explained how residents needed diverse help, from clearing driveways of fallen trees to maintaining essential medical equipment. Within a day of the storm, the Bonner Senior Center became an emergency shelter offering meals, lodging, and entertainment to over 570 individuals. Clancy emphasized community cooperation in both Wednesday’s event and broader storm response efforts. Ohio County provided additional support with water, sports drinks, and diapers.

Patti Burton, a retiree from west Portage, received tarps, charcoal, and diapers for her great-grandchildren, among other supplies. She shared her relief at acquiring the children’s book “Oh, David!” Even as her house flooded with six inches of water, Burton was thankful for the support community members showed throughout. Her expenses were high, with $90 spent initially on generator gasoline and $40 per day thereafter.

Kirt Raisor from the American Legion Post 502 gathered supplies to deliver to those unable to reach the distribution site. Similarly, Ruben Mendez helped manage the Legion’s distribution of hot meals, recognizing food as the community’s greatest need. Mendez’s home only regained power recently, and he faced continued electrical issues.

Kayla Chavez, together with her daughters Avacyn and Lillia, received a flashlight and essential supplies at the event. Their nearby residence had power restored the previous day. Chavez appreciated the aid as her family was out of food and unable to work due to the storm.

The relief efforts at Haven Hollow Park demonstrated the community’s unity, with many working towards recovery and a return to normal life.