Hazel Crest Community Unites for Tornado Relief Efforts

Following the EF-1 tornado that hit Hazel Crest on July 27, students and volunteers from Hazel Crest Elementary District 152 ½ came together at Jesse White Learning Academy to provide food and support to those still affected. The tornado also impacted Homewood, Country Club Hills, Harvey, and Glenwood, but Hazel Crest suffered some of the most severe damage.

School board President Dean Barnett mentioned the community’s strong response. ‘Every chance we get, we try to work and give back to the community, and there’s not a better opportunity, because this area was directly impacted,’ he said. Hazel Crest experienced unique challenges, as the tornado’s looping path struck the area twice.

Superintendent Cynthia Levy explained the ongoing difficulties, noting that many residents were displaced and left without power for days. ‘A lot of people were displaced from Hazel Crest over into Sauk Village, so they’ve been trying to find housing,’ she shared.

With approximately 99% of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch, the district understood the community’s needs. Volunteers prepared over 500 meals consisting of hamburgers, hot dogs, and roast chickens for families. They also distributed toiletries and other essentials.

By the time meals started to be handed out at 5 p.m., dozens of people had queued up.

Among the volunteers was 13-year-old Ava Ward, a rising eighth grader. ‘I’m just happy that I’m able to help,’ she said. The effort was led by Kimberly Chalmers, vice president of the school board, who expressed gratitude for the turnout. Despite her own storm-related challenges, she focused on community recovery. ‘The future has to be bright,’ she stated. ‘We’re going to get there, with all of us working together.’