The Community Response to Disaster 
August 11, 2026 derecho impacted Northwest Indiana, I have been reminded once again of the strength, generosity, and resilience of our community.
When disaster strikes, we know who responds first. Utility crews restore power. First responders protect lives. Public works teams clear roads and address immediate hazards. Their work is essential and deserves our deepest gratitude.
At the same time, another kind of response begins, one that is quieter but equally important. It is the response of neighbors helping neighbors. It is the volunteer who shows up to serve meals after spending days without power at home. It is the donor who gives generously even while facing storm-related challenges personally. It is the family checking on an elderly neighbor, the faith community opening its doors, and the local nonprofit stretching already limited resources to meet growing needs. These acts of compassion may not make headlines, but they are the foundation of recovery.
Philanthropy helps address the needs that emerge during a crisis: spoiled food, damaged property, transportation challenges, unexpected expenses, and increased demand on local nonprofits serving vulnerable residents. It also helps strengthen the network of caring people and organizations that carry communities forward long after emergency crews have left.
The August storms brought confirmed tornadoes, flooding, widespread tree and power line damage, and what NIPSCO has described as the largest outage event in its history. More than 300,000 customers lost power across its service area, with some households going without electricity for up to two weeks. Here in Lake County, families and organizations continue to navigate the effects of this unprecedented event.
In response, Legacy Foundation established the Lake County Disaster Relief Fund to support recovery efforts throughout our region. Since launching the fund, many of you have asked an important question: How will these resources be used?
The honest answer is that recovery is still unfolding, and we continue to learn where needs are greatest. What we can promise is a thoughtful, transparent process. We are listening to residents, nonprofit leaders, municipal officials, faith communities, and other local partners. We will communicate how much is raised, where funds are distributed, and the impact those resources are making.
Community foundations are uniquely positioned to respond during moments like these because we can remain flexible as conditions change. Today, some of the identified needs include emergency food assistance, support for vulnerable residents, debris and tree removal, and weatherhead repairs that allow families to safely reconnect power.
We are grateful for the many donors, volunteers, businesses, nonprofits, and community partners who have already stepped forward to help. Their generosity demonstrates that recovery is not the work of any one organization. It is a shared community effort. Time and again, Lake County has shown that even in the face of hardship, people choose to care for one another. That spirit gives us confidence not only in our recovery, but in our future.
To support ongoing recovery, contributions may be made to the Lake County Disaster Relief Fund at www.legacyfdn.org. Organizations may also apply for storm relief and recovery grants through the same website. Legacy Foundation has waived all administrative fees for the fund so that every dollar donated supports recovery efforts in Lake County.
Recovery does not end when the power returns. It continues as families regain stability, residents receive the support they need, and communities rebuild.
Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and commitment to Lake County. Together, we will help our neighbors recover, rebuild, and emerge even stronger.
Kelly Anoe 
President & CEO
Legacy Foundation
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