On the morning of May 10, 2024, a severe tornado struck Tallahassee, leaving a trail of destruction estimated at $50 million in damage. Amidst the chaos and the rubble, the Rotary Club of Tallahassee has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience, dedicating their time and resources to aid in the recovery efforts.
A Community United in Service
WTXL's Journalist, Kenya Cardonne, recently highlighted the significant contributions of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee in their story on the ongoing tornado cleanup efforts. Cardonne's report underscores the essence of the Rotary motto, "Service above self," showcasing how Rotarians from across the Tallahassee area are tirelessly working to help their neighbors rebuild their lives.
Echoes of Recovery
On a sunny Saturday morning, the sounds of chainsaws and teamwork filled a Tallahassee
neighborhood as Rotary members tackled a massive fallen tree. One of the volunteers, Alasdair Roe, shared an impactful story: "She had an 8-foot limb straight through her roof. We were able to pull that out, take the tree off of her roof, and cover it up with a tarp." This story is just one of many that illustrate the tangible difference the Rotary Club is making in the aftermath of the storm.
A Continued Effort
More than three weeks after the tornado, Rotary volunteers are still showing up, embodying the spirit of persistence and dedication.
The disaster recovery wagon, an essential tool for the club, has been instrumental in their efforts. Despite the substantial damage, Kelley Phillips, President of the Tallahassee Rotary Club, emphasizes that the most powerful resource is not money, but the selflessness and teamwork of the volunteers. "Just a tremendous mess. Now it's all cleaned up because we had 10 or 15 people that all came together and their manpower is united, and that's kind of the secret behind Rotary," Phillips explained.
A Mission in Action
Since the devastating tornado, the Rotary Club of Tallahassee has assisted at least a dozen
residents in their recovery process. Each act of service, whether it's clearing debris or providing comfort, reinforces Rotary's mission of service above self and highlights the profound impact of community solidarity.
Moving Forward Together
As the Tallahassee community continues to rebuild, the Rotary Club's efforts stand as a testament to the power of collective action and compassion. Their work not only aids in physical recovery but also in restoring hope and resilience within the community.
To witness the Rotary Club of Tallahassee in action and to hear more about their inspiring efforts, watch Kenya Cardonne's full report on WTXL. Together, we can continue to support and uplift our community, demonstrating that in times of crisis, unity and service can light the path to recovery.
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