100+ Volunteers Rebuild Kansas Town Hit by Tornado

Within two days of a tornado tearing through Hillsdale, Kansas, more than 100 volunteers filled the streets with rakes, buckets, and determination to rebuild their neighbors' lives.

The EF-2 tornado damaged 113 buildings Monday night in a town of fewer than 150 people. For 30-year resident Rick Renner, the sound of the approaching storm felt like a freight train bearing down on his home.

Renner hunkered against his kitchen wall as the tornado struck. When daylight came, a tree had crashed through his house, and debris covered his property.

"I can't do it. Physically, I'm done," Renner admitted. "But I gotta rely on good people."

The good people arrived in force Wednesday morning. Krista Schmid-Lee, owner of Miami Tow & Recovery, brought a skid steer and tow truck to help clear debris at no charge to residents.

"When people need us, we're there," said Schmid-Lee, who was born and raised in Miami County. She estimated volunteers could make a major dent in the cleanup within days.

Hillsdale Presbyterian Church became the volunteer coordination hub. Pastor Laurie Johnston said the church's 200 members knew exactly what to do when disaster struck their community.

"These people know how to help each other. They do it all the time," Johnston said. Members from nearby Paola churches joined the effort, turning strangers into teammates.

Volunteer Mickey McCoy drove from Osawatomie to lend a hand. Having grown up in Oklahoma and chased storms, he thought he understood tornado damage.

"It's different when you see it in person than when you see it on TV," McCoy said. Seeing the community response reminded him that goodness still exists everywhere.

The Ripple Effect

The volunteers cleaning Renner's property were complete strangers to him. Their willingness to show up anyway moved him beyond words.

Kids worked alongside adults, hauling debris and clearing yards. Businesses donated equipment and time while churches provided supplies and coordination.

Johnston believes the recovery will strengthen bonds in their small town. "We're going to get through it and bring us closer together," she said.

Renner's message to everyone who showed up was simple and heartfelt: "Thank you. God bless you. And keep it up. We need more of that."