Written by Shangyu Dai
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
From March 13–15, 2024, a devastating tornado outbreak swept through the U.S. Midwest and Northeast, causing the most severe damage in Indiana and Ohio. This series of destructive storms resulted in the tragic loss of three lives, and brought about heartbreaking destruction.
Witnessing the aftermath, Tzu Chi USA’s Midwest Region volunteers sprang to action, holding a hurricane relief distribution on April 6 in Winchester, Ohio. Soon after, on April 13, thirty-five volunteers from Tzu Chi USA’s Dayton and Columbus Service Centers traveled to Lakeview, Ohio, to assist 62 families affected by the tornado.
Transformation Amidst a Scenic Space
On April 13, eleven Tzu Chi USA Midwest Region volunteers departed from their hotel at 6:00 AM to visit the impacted area for assessment. As the village’s name suggests, part of Lakeview’s perimeter is bounded by a quiet, scenic lakeshore. One month after the tornado, the sky was blue, and the clouds were white. The peaceful lake, the soothing breeze, and the warm sunshine created a refreshing atmosphere in sharp contrast to the tumult locals had experienced not long ago.
The scene in the disaster-affected area beyond the beautiful lake view, however, was strewn with debris and fallen trees.
“We set off from Chicago early this morning, and we went to visit the disaster area. The situation is heartbreaking,” shared Tzu Chi USA’s Midwest Region Executive Director, Chong Hsieh, as he surveyed the community.
After completing the assessment phase, Tzu Chi Midwest Region volunteers moved to the day’s distribution site at Indian Lake High School in Logan County, Ohio. By 8 AM, Tzu Chi volunteers had gathered at the high school to prepare the venue for the activities ahead.
More Than Monetary Relief
In setting up the venue, volunteers arranged tables and chairs, hung banners and posters, and carefully organized the relief materials in spacious, reusable shopping bags. A portrait of Master Cheng Yen was also placed at the venue to offer spiritual strength. Butterfly orchids and other greenery added vibrancy to the venue that lifted spirits, too.
Upon arriving at the distribution event, tornado survivors were warmly received by volunteers who assisted with sign-in. This time, Tzu Chi USA’s Midwest Region prepared emergency cash cards loaded with $800 per family, eco-blankets, and more. Heartfelt gifts, including reading material, thick socks, soft scarves, and Tzu Chi bamboo banks, filled the offered care packs.
A disaster survivor named Patrick was moved by the gifts prepared by Tzu Chi volunteers, sharing that the stories in the Tzu Chi Journal included in the care package were like a bright light that illuminated the path ahead. “There are so many stories in the magazine. It gave me the strength to feel at ease,” he shared. “And, at night, I’ll use the blankets you gave me. You’ve all come and helped us so much.”
Joining Hands as One Global Family
In addition to emergency funds and other supplies, Tzu Chi volunteers brought care, companionship, and all-encompassing love – a sentiment carried forth with a Sign Language performance of “One Family.” The gentle song brought tears to the eyes of care recipients, and some couldn’t help but sway along.
I thank you for all you do. Everyone is so caring and kind. There are good people in this world.
In Lakeview, the median annual household income was approximately $42,750 as of 2022. The tornado turned many survivors’ lives upside down overnight, all that they’d built over a lifetime scattered in the tumult. Many people didn’t know how they could possibly move forward. And yet, volunteers were profoundly moved to see that despite all they’d lost, survivors wished to give back, donating a total of $300 to Tzu Chi’s Taiwan Earthquake Relief fundraiser.
