CROWN POINT/ST. JOHN - Following a massive storm system that roared through Northwest Indiana on Aug. 11, the derecho winds left most neighborhoods without electricity as trees and power lines were blown to the ground.
In the days that followed, parishes within the Diocese of Gary offered what they could to assist community members. Some continued to hold liturgies in the dark; others who regained power quickly opened their doors to those needing a place to charge their devices and others went to work organizing a free meal to bring a little kindness as families began recovery efforts.
On Aug. 14, Father Declan McNicholas and the team at St. Matthias took to social media as they spread the word that they were ready to provide a hot dog lunch, complete with chips and a drink, to anyone who came to the Crown Point church. Unsure if the building would have electricity, parish volunteers set up a drive-thru system where individuals could simply pull into the parking lot and grab a free meal for themselves and their family.
The pastor explained the parish organized the meal hoping that people in need would come out to get food, as well as being a show of support for the community.
The event, Father McNicholas said, was an example of neighbors helping neighbors. He noted that many of the volunteers who pitched in were also part of the community.
“While so many of our volunteers here also don't have power and have also been struggling, they are giving up their time this morning to help others,” he said.
The leadership team of St. Matthias came up with the idea to offer a free meal and mobilized within 24 hours, bringing together roughly 40 parish members ready to serve anyone who arrived during lunchtime hours.
Pastoral Associate Jackie Gentry said the parish wanted to have an opportunity to help the community in its time of need.
“So many people are going through struggles,” Gentry said. “They're going through challenges, and we wanted to do something that could just give people a break. They may have lost all their food. They may not be in a position to cook. Our hope was to be the face of Christ for the community and just give them a little reprieve and just lighten their load a little bit.”
Through the generous donations of its congregation, the parish stood ready to hand out 400 hot dogs if the demand required.
Aimee Copenhafer started working at the parish as the receptionist two years ago, but has been a member much longer. For her, volunteering on Friday afternoon was an opportunity to give back.
“We didn't have power until last night, and we wouldn't have made it through this without help from other people,” she said. “For example, we had people feeding us the other night, so any time we can come help with anything like this, I try to do it.”
Copenhafer stated that sometimes when people give, they may not even realize the full impact it has for the recipients. She mentioned a recent encounter with a delivery worker who, despite having no power at his own home, was busy bringing others what they needed.
“I made sure to tip him extra because he's out there working right now, while his family is at home dealing with their mess too,” she said. “It's about helping as much as we can.”
Copenhafer added that in a situation where many people might not be sure how they can help, she was happy to be part of the small gesture for people who may not have had the opportunity to eat a hot meal.
Hannah Hovan, 13, who lives close by, walked to the church to help gather orders and even took a turn holding a sign advertising the free meal near Burrell Street. She called it “amazing that we get to do this opportunity for everyone that doesn't have power.”
Hovan said, “You never really know how much you use something until you don't have it. Once you don't have power, you realize how much you use it. It's one of those things that you use in everyday life, and it's very important.”
The following day, Aug. 15, St. John the Evangelist in St. John opened its doors, inviting anyone into its anthrax for a meal and fellowship.
Likewise, preparing for about 400 guests, volunteer Mary Golonka emphasized the effort was about giving back and filling a need in the community.
“I had damage, but you know, you clean up and move forward,” she said. “We got power yesterday afternoon. We were without internet for two days, but it is what it is. You help your neighbors out while you can, and then we came here.”
Parish Accountant Hilary DiTola said the church was aware that many people were still getting power back, and the food helped to create a sense of community and “bring people in from outside.”
DiTola commended the staff for organizing the event within 24 hours.
“We have a really great team with high energy,” she said. “We said, “let's do it,” and one person got on social media, one person was picking up the stuff, and then we were getting donations.”
DiTola was also pleased by the number of people that just showed up and asked her where to go and what to do to be ready to open the doors at 11 a.m. She felt many people just wanted to come and be together.
“We had so many volunteers that it almost felt like we didn’t have anything to do, but the people will come, if that's what God wills.”
Tables neatly lined up and covered with tablecloths invited attendees to sit and enjoy the buffet of beef sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and more. Those associated with the church's food pantry were present to offer additional assistance to those needing additional resources.
DiTola shared that some of the food was also delivered to homebound parishioners and added that she hoped to bring any leftovers to linemen working in the area.
“There's been a great amount of devastation we've had in this area – with the loss of power, trees falling and damage to houses and water coming in and sump pumps failing – you just hear more and more stories,” she said.
Various Knights of Columbus members have also been stepping up, ensuring that no one goes hungry. The parish chapter, Weis Council #10596, at St. Thomas More in Munster served food at the Munster Social Center on Aug. 18.
The Griffith Knights of Columbus, Marquette Council 3631, also plans to provide free hot dogs to those in the community who remain without power. The giveaway will take place Friday evening, Aug. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the council facility, located at 1400 S. Broad Street in Griffith.
“Our council is grateful for the opportunity to support neighbors who are still facing difficult conditions following the storm,” said Michael Voyak, Grand Knight of Marquette Council 3631. “We hope this small act of service provides some relief and reminds residents that the community stands with them.”
Residents do not need to register in advance. Food will be available while supplies last during the announced distribution hours.
