Community Unites for Northwest Indiana Storm Recovery

More than 70 volunteers gathered Wednesday afternoon at Haven Hollow Park in Portage Township, ready to support residents affected by the recent storm. They brought tarps, bottled water, flashlights, charcoal, diapers, hygiene items, toys, books, hot meals, sandwiches, and snacks, all prepared for distribution. The aftermath of the August 11 derecho left many in Northwest Indiana without power for days.

During a recovery event organized by the Portage Township Trustee’s Office, Pat Greek from the South Haven Lions Club provided food assistance to Patti Burton. Held at Haven Hollow Park in Valparaiso, this event offered a range of essential supplies to community members impacted by the storm’s destruction.

The storm’s intense winds reached 99 mph, uprooting trees, toppling utility poles, and causing significant property damage. NIPSCO stated that power restoration in Portage and Gary was expected to be complete by August 25, according to their website. Around 4:10 p.m. on Wednesday, as cars lined up at Haven Hollow, the distribution began.

“All right, who’s ready? Let’s do this!” exclaimed Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy to the volunteers. Over two hours, they loaded supplies into cars, a wagon, and a golf cart, aiding about 230 families. Clancy mentioned that many volunteers, including himself, were still without power.

Community needs varied as power returned, Clancy explained. Residents struggled with downed trees, preserving medicine that required refrigeration, and powering medical equipment. “We’ve faced all sorts of challenges this past week,” he noted.

Within a day of the storm, Portage’s Bonner Senior Center became an emergency shelter, providing meals, bedding, entertainment, and more to those affected. Clancy praised the community’s swift response, with organizations like the Porter County Emergency Management Agency stepping in to help.

Ohio County contributed supplies such as water, sports drinks, and diapers, reflecting widespread support. “Everybody I contacted said they’d come,” Clancy shared, grateful for the collaboration during the Wednesday event.

For individuals like retiree Patti Burton, the event was a lifeline. She secured essential items like tarps and children’s books. Burton’s home had endured six inches of floodwater, though no trees fell on her house. “Everybody’s being nice,” she said. Her generator required $90 in gas, costing $40 daily to keep running.

American Legion member Kirt Raisor assisted by delivering tarps to a woman whose house was hit by a tree. “If someone needs something, I bring it to them,” he explained. Raisor, like many others, was dealing with power outages at home.

Ruben Mendez, also from the Legion, managed the group’s hot meal distribution. Food was seen as a critical need, with many residents unable to access it due to lack of power. Mendez used a generator himself, noting, “Without power, there’s no food.” He hoped normalcy would return soon.

Kayla Chavez and her young daughters received support with essential items like flashlights. “This was amazing because we were out of food,” Chavez said. The event offered more than assistance; it provided a sense of community and connection.