Written by Bornain Chiu
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ariel Tsai
On March 6, 2026, Union City and Three Rivers in southern Michigan were struck by a powerful tornado. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, the tornado was rated EF-3, with maximum wind speeds reaching 160 miles per hour, making it the most severe tornado to hit the area in nearly half a century.
The disaster claimed four lives, injured more than 20 people, and destroyed numerous homes. The lakeside communities suffered particularly severe damage, with many houses reduced to rubble. During damage assessments, volunteers even heard the story of a survivor who escaped death by sheltering inside the only intact chimney remaining in his home.
Disaster Assessment and Preparation: Launching a Mission of Care
Shortly after the disaster, volunteers from the Tzu Chi USA Detroit Service Center traveled to the affected area on March 15 to assess the damage. They also coordinated with the American Red Cross to confirm survivor information and prepare for future relief distributions.
At 6 a.m. on May 3, 2026, 23 volunteers from Tzu Chi USA’s Midwest Region Office, Detroit Service Center, and Columbus Service Center set out for Three Rivers High School to carry out a relief distribution.
Around 11 a.m., volunteers arrived at the site, where Raul Galvan, executive director of the American Red Cross Southwest Michigan Region, welcomed them and provided a tour of the facility. Volunteers immediately began unloading supplies, organizing traffic flow, arranging seating, and installing banners. The site setup was completed by noon.
At the entrance, Tzu Chi flags fluttered in the breeze. The gift area was carefully arranged with Jing Si products, bamboo banks, and eco-friendly blankets, reflecting the volunteers’ dedication and care.
Accompanying Disaster Survivors with Compassion
Before the distribution began, Columbus Service Center volunteer Tehung Li introduced survivors to Tzu Chi’s history and mission, sharing how the organization has grown from its origins in Taiwan into a global humanitarian movement. A six-minute video highlighted Tzu Chi’s longstanding commitment to disaster relief and compassionate service.
Chong Hsieh expressed condolences and concern on behalf of all volunteers.
“Dharma Master Cheng Yen encourages us to ‘take resources from the local area and use them locally,’” Hsieh said. “We all have a responsibility to contribute to American society.”
He noted that volunteers had traveled from Chicago, Detroit, Kalamazoo, and Columbus, with some driving more than four hours to support disaster survivors.
Following his remarks, Chiawei Tan, head of the Detroit Service Center, read a blessing letter from Dharma Master Cheng Yen, conveying her care and well wishes to affected families.
Tehung Li then explained how to use the cash cards and reviewed important information regarding their distribution. He also introduced Tzu Chi’s eco-friendly blankets, describing how they are made from recycled materials, and shared the Bamboo Bank story, encouraging recipients to continue spreading kindness and helping others whenever possible.
Local Leaders and the Red Cross Express Appreciation
In her remarks, Three Rivers Mayor Angel Johnston reflected on the overwhelming support the community had received in the months following the disaster.
“I hope that as we come out of this tragedy, we remember to look ahead and support the next group of people who may be affected by disaster,” Johnston said. “Disasters don’t stop. There will always be another one.”
I hope that we all take this as an opportunity to be a little nicer to each other and remember that everybody is going through something.
Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Manny De la Rosa noted that while local emergency management agencies may not have extensive financial reserves, they possess strong networks of people and resources.
He emphasized that partnerships between organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Tzu Chi Foundation provide critical support during major disasters.
“It is a great support and opportunity for us to have an organization like Tzu Chi extend a helping hand,” De la Rosa said.
We are grateful for their arrival. It has been a wonderful experience of cooperation.
Raul J. Galvan also shared that the disaster could have happened to any family.
“It was truly heartwarming to know that we weren’t facing this challenge alone,” Galvan said. “It wasn’t just the local Red Cross, but the entire American Red Cross network working together with Tzu Chi to provide assistance.”
“We want to make sure people do not feel isolated or helpless and that they do not have to face these difficulties alone. Whenever there is a need, we will do our best to connect people with appropriate resources.”
Galvan also expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Tzu Chi and the American Red Cross, noting their shared commitment to humanitarian service.
Sign Language Brings Smiles Back to Children
During the event, volunteers shared the sign language performance “One Family” as an expression of compassion and unity. Disaster survivors joined in, gradually transforming the atmosphere from one of sorrow to one filled with warmth and connection.
During the screening of Love and Care, participants offered heartfelt prayers and blessings for their families and communities.
One mother shared an emotional story about her daughter, who had withdrawn following the tornado due to emotional distress. During the event, however, she began interacting with others, trying new experiences, and smiling once again.
“It is truly inspiring to see my daughter willing to open her heart, experience new things, and listen to new ideas,” the mother said. “I believe that one day she will be incredibly proud of what she has overcome.”
Even more touching was what happened before the family left. The two children voluntarily donated their own money into a bamboo bank, transforming themselves from recipients of aid into future helpers of others. Their gesture deeply moved the volunteers.
Listening, Accompanying, and Restoring Hope
Throughout the distribution, volunteers carefully reviewed each family’s information while also taking time to listen to survivors’ stories, fears, and ongoing challenges.
Some survivors shared that the tornado not only destroyed their homes but also severely impacted their businesses. Many were forced to shift operations online while coping with uncertainty, anxiety, and financial stress.
Through compassionate listening and sincere companionship, volunteers helped ease some of the fear and emotional burden survivors were carrying.
Volunteers then respectfully presented cash cards, bamboo banks, Jing Si products, and eco-friendly blankets to affected families, hoping to bring comfort and encouragement during a difficult time.
One survivor expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“Our entire family is sincerely grateful for your generosity and support,” the survivor said. “We are truly thankful for everyone’s help after the tornado.”
Cross-State Aid Keeps Kindness Flowing
This relief distribution assisted 34 households and 106 disaster survivors.
At the conclusion of the event, volunteers and local officials gathered for a group photo. By 4:45 p.m., the team had packed supplies, restored the site, and begun the journey home.
Although the tornado destroyed homes and upended lives, it also revealed the power of compassion and community. By crossing state lines to offer assistance, Tzu Chi volunteers provided more than material aid. They offered companionship, encouragement, and hope. Their efforts helped disaster survivors take another step forward while ensuring that kindness and care continue to ripple throughout communities across the American Midwest.
