Volunteers help Woodridge families repair homes damaged in 2021 tornado
CHICAGO (CBS) -- More than a year and a half after an EF-3 tornado tore a path of destruction through southwest suburban Woodridge, some residents are still dealing with the impact of the devastating storm.
Cold temperatures and light gusty snow on Wednesday didn't stop dozens of volunteers and the mayor of Woodridge from helping four families make repairs to their homes and yards.
Tree branches bolted through Joe Trancredi's window and impaled his master bedroom when the tornado touched down on the night of June 20, 2021. Now volunteers are helping him paint his ceiling and clear out debris in his backyard.
"It's great, especially right now, because I think things have been tough for a lot of people, whether your home's been hit by a tornado or not. Just the last couple of years, I think, have been hard on a lot of people," Tancredi said.
Tancredi's home was just one of more than 600 in Woodridge that were damaged by the tornado. That tornado also caused damage in nearby Naperville and Darien.
Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham and her nonprofit, Woodridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors, teamed up with Home Depot Foundation to help four families who are still rebuilding from the devastation.
"I think what the families have had to endured is a long road of COVID – so the post-pandemic – insurance, contractor concerns, and supply issues. So it's been a very long road for the families," Cunningham said.
Giving back before the holidays has Dianne O'Donnell, co-chair of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, emotional.
"It's a thing that you end up getting back as much, if not more, than what you give," she said before choking up, and taking a moment to collect herself. "So we're very happy and very grateful for everybody that's helping."
Crews were working hard in the cold and snow on Wednesday. Home Depot said one couple will be surprised when they come and find a new pond in memory of their daughter, who died weeks after the tornado.
A couple of blocks over, more volunteers helped Marion Bryant help paint her doors.
"I feel like my house is alive again. It's even inspiring me to do this, that, and the other thing too," Bryant said.
In this giving spirit, Woodridge is setting the standard for neighbors helping neighbors.
Cunningham said more than two dozen homes still cannot be occupied in the aftermath of the tornado. She anticipated those families will have access to their homes next summer.