Illinois Tornado Response
Tornado Relief Updates
In the wake of an EF-3 tornado that struck northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana, families are facing damaged homes, disrupted routines, and an uncertain road ahead. Mercy Chefs deployed to Kankakee, IL, to serve chef-prepared meals to displaced families, emergency workers, and the volunteers working tirelessly to help their communities.
Please continue to pray for those affected by this disaster. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@MercyChefs) for live updates from the ground and to see how your support is bringing hope.
March 19, 2026
A Week of Hope & Restoration
Our team on the ground had a meaningful week serving Kankakee County. We shared meals with an independent living home, hundreds of students, emergency crews, and local families across the community. Because of your generosity, this response was possible. From helping residents navigate severe hail damage to restoring moments of normalcy for those facing loss, your support delivered hope when it was needed most.
We’re also deeply grateful for every volunteer who served so selflessly and for our church partner, whose heart for their community made this work even more impactful.
March 17, 2026
Showing Up For Others: "They Found Me"
Roy has called Kankakee home his whole life. In the wake of the EF-3 tornado, he, like so many of his neighbors, is facing the overwhelming reality of his home and business being destroyed. These losses run deep, and families across the community are now navigating the long road to recovery. Amid uncertainty, Roy found comfort in unexpected places. As he moved from site to site during cleanup, Mercy Chefs continued to find him with a hot meal. “I don’t know how, but they found me…” he shared.
It’s a privilege to stand alongside Roy and his community. As more severe weather threatens the country, your support ensures we remain ready to respond, bringing hope and hot meals to those who need it most.
March 15, 2026
Meeting a Neighbor’s Need with a Hot Meal
Rain and strong winds across Kankakee County are making cleanup and repairs even harder for families recovering from the EF-3 tornado, but your help today keeps hot meals coming for families working to rebuild their lives.
Tony and Becky have been receiving Mercy Chefs meals since the tornado devastated their riverfront neighborhood, which now looks like a lumber yard. Grateful for the meals but concerned for their elderly neighbor—who remained alone in his damaged home and was unable to care for himself—they began sharing their meals with him. In the middle of storm damage, cold rain, and long days of cleanup, a hot meal is helping neighbors care for one another.
March 13, 2026
Building a Sanctuary in the Storm
Across Kankakee County, many families remain without power. Colder temperatures make it difficult to stay home. As one of the few places with electricity, our church partner has quickly become a sanctuary for the community, where neighbors are coming together for supplies and hot meals. One mother of six shared that her family’s home was damaged and without power or heat. Her children, who don’t always finish their food, ate every bite they were served.
Amid uncertainty, a hot meal and a welcoming space are bringing hope and connection to families in this community. Your gift allows Mercy Chefs to continue serving meals as the road to recovery begins.
March 12, 2026
First Meals in Kankakee
Thanks to our supporters, Mercy Chefs was able to respond quickly with our mobile Strike Kitchen following the devastating tornado in Kankakee County. Tonight, the first meal was served as our team and local church partner worked side by side to prepare a comforting plate of chicken pasta with broccolini, rosemary-buttered bread, and strawberry cream cheese danish for those facing a long road ahead.
When disaster strikes close to home, it can become a family’s darkest hour. Your generosity helps bring comfort in the midst of crisis.
Make a Donation
When disaster strikes, hope can begin with something as simple as a warm meal. For only $3.50, you can provide a hot meal to someone facing their hardest moment.
Volunteer Today
Serve your community by volunteering with Mercy Chefs to prepare and deliver hot, chef-prepared meals to neighbors in need.
Contact Us
For more information on how you, your church, or your organization can support our relief efforts, please complete the form below.
