MARION — In the days following the EF-4 tornado that tore through southern Williamson County on May 16, families across the region are still reeling from the damage.
Across Southern Illinois, the community is stepping in to help pick up the pieces.
The tornado carved a 16.6-mile path from Spillway Road to Tyler Bridge Road, leveling trees, destroying homes, and injuring seven people.
With peak winds of 190 miles per hour, it was the strongest tornado to hit Williamson County since 1982 and one of only five EF-4 or F-4 storms recorded in Southern Illinois over the last 25 years, according to the National Weather Service.
Among the hardest hit were Marion Community Unit School District #2 students and staff. Superintendent Becky Moss said several families have lost homes or been displaced entirely.
In response, the district is collecting monetary donations and gift cards at all Marion school buildings and the district office through Friday.
Donations can also be made at Peoples National Bank in Marion, Benton and Harrisburg. Checks should be payable to “Marion CUSD #2” with “Tornado Relief Fund” in the memo line.
“We are rallying our community to provide direct relief to those in our schools who have lost so much,” Moss said. “Every contribution — large or small — will make a difference.”
In Herrin, the Church of Christ will distribute free supplies from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday at 3101 S. Park Ave.
Families can pick up food, water, diapers, cleaning supplies, personal care items, gloves, tools and tarps.
For those without insurance, assistance with furniture and appliances may also be available. If needed, additional pickup times can be arranged.
Marion Illinois Central School Bus is collecting donations through Friday to support families of students who ride their routes. Staff are asking for toys, clothing of all sizes, toiletries, non-perishable food, bottled water, feminine hygiene products and kitchen items such as dishes and small appliances.
Donations can be dropped off at the bus lot, or arrangements can be made for pickup by contacting Paula Bradford. They are not accepting cash at this time.
Crosswalk Community Action Agency continues to offer support to income-eligible residents. The agency provides rental and housing help, food, hygiene products, diapers and document replacement.
A family of four qualifies if their 30-day household income is less than $5,358. Call 618-937-3581 for more information.
Wright-Way Rescue is helping pet owners impacted by the storm. The rescue group is offering emergency foster care for displaced pets and free veterinary care through Timber Trails Veterinary Services.
Volunteers are delivering pet food and supplies directly to homes in Marion and working with Williamson County Animal Control to reunite lost pets with their owners.
Those needing help or are able to foster can email foster@wright-wayrescue.org or call 618-208-1509.
The Salvation Army is accepting donations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at its Marion thrift store. Items being collected include bedding, towels, toiletries, diapers, formula, baby wipes, clothing, pet food, and basic kitchenware.
Donations should be marked for disaster relief. Anyone seeking help must first obtain a Red Cross case number. For assistance, call 618-993-5854.
For families who lost irreplaceable photos, Herrin-based photographer Karina Neill is offering free portrait sessions and prints to help restore memories.
“Sometimes a photograph can bring a little light in the middle of loss,” Neill said.
Sessions can be scheduled by emailing info@karinaneillphotography.com or calling 346-291-8031.
A benefit event is also planned for Sunday at Little Nashville in downtown Marion. The gathering will feature live music, food and a chance to give back, organized by owner Aaron R. Smith and supported by local volunteers.
Smith said all proceeds will be processed through the Marion Rotary Club Foundation and go directly to families who lost their homes south of town.
“When something hard hits, people here don’t just watch,” Smith said. “They show up. They give. They help.”
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