Community Efforts in Hazel Crest Following Tornado Damage

Amid the visible damage caused by the EF-1 tornado in Hazel Crest on July 27, students and volunteers from Hazel Crest Elementary District 152 ½ came together at Jesse White Learning Academy to provide support and distribute meals to those affected. School Board President Dean Barnett praised the community’s response, noting, “We put the call out on Facebook for people, and they’ve shown up en masse.” He emphasized the importance of aiding the community in the aftermath of the tornado.

The tornado impacted several areas, including Homewood, Country Club Hills, Harvey, and Glenwood. However, Hazel Crest experienced some of the most severe damage. The tornado’s unusual looping path struck the area twice, according to the National Weather Service. Barnett described the damage around the academy as “utter devastation,” with roads lined with fallen trees and tarps covering roof holes. The storm displaced residents and left many without power for days.

Superintendent Cynthia Levy stated that some displaced residents from Hazel Crest were relocating to Sauk Village. Although electricity was largely restored last Friday, significant damage remains. Levy highlighted the economic challenges faced by the community, noting that approximately 99% of the students receive free or reduced lunch. She emphasized the school’s experience in mobilizing volunteers to support families in need, recounting past efforts like Thanksgiving turkey distributions.

“These people you see here are the same people that will come out right around Thanksgiving when we give out the turkeys for our families. So we’re used to kind of pulling together.”

Volunteers prepared over 500 meals, including hamburgers, hot dogs, and roast chickens for families. They also distributed necessities such as toiletries and paper towels. Levy noted, “A lot of people lost a lot of food because the power was out.” By 5 p.m., dozens of people had gathered for meal distribution, and volunteers were delivering meals door-to-door, targeting elderly residents who could not leave their homes.

Barnett expressed hopes that the event would bring positivity to the community. He stated, “People have been without power, people have had food challenges, people have had some long days and nights. It’s important when we go to them, that we go to them with positive energy.”

Misha Roberts, whose son attends Jesse White, shared the damage her home sustained, including roof and garage damage, and lost food due to the power outage. She mentioned the uncertainty of repair timelines, ranging from weeks to months.

Students from the school district actively participated in the food distribution. Ava Ward, a 13-year-old student, expressed her happiness in helping others. Kimberly Chalmers, vice president of the school board and organizer of the event, expressed gratitude for the volunteer turnout and shared her own experience of power loss and refrigerator food spoilage.

“The future has to be bright,” Chalmers said. “We’re going to get there, with all of us working together.”