Wisconsin Church Feeds Tornado Victims Without Power or Water

When a devastating tornado tore through Menasha, Wisconsin on Monday, St. Thomas Episcopal Church lost power and water but not its commitment to serve those in need.

Staff and volunteers at the church continued offering free meals and essential supplies to tornado victims despite having no basic utilities. Operation Barbecue Relief joined the effort, serving hot meals across the Fox Valley to families who lost everything in the EF-3 tornado.

The volunteer spirit extended far beyond the church walls. Landscaping and electrical crews started work in the early morning hours, motivated by the chance to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Lance Wallace, owner of Wallace Tree & Landscape, described scenes of devastation with trees down in every yard and brush piles ten feet high surrounding local parks. "The park will never look the same again," he said.

But for crew member Mitchell Berge, the work held deeper meaning. He lost his own house last year and remembers the hugs and community support that helped him through. "Just being able to give that hug and tell them 'Hey, I feel you, you're going to get through this,' it's an amazing feeling," Berge said.

Why This Inspires

This story shows how crisis can reveal the best in people. A church without basic utilities stayed open because feeding neighbors mattered more than comfort. A man who lost his home returned to help others face the same pain, turning his trauma into compassion.

Communities don't just rebuild with hammers and chainsaws. They rebuild with hot meals served in darkened church halls, with volunteers who start before dawn, and with workers who see their neighbors' faces in every fallen tree they clear.

Winnebago County officials continue damage assessments while crews work through the recovery, proving that even in devastation, people show up for each other.