Wisconsin Episcopal church feeds and shelters tornado survivors

St. Thomas Church in Menasha, Wisconsin, mobilized to serve neighbors after an EF-3 tornado struck the community on July 27, destroying and damaging homes and businesses in its path. The church, which escaped direct damage but sat near devastated neighborhoods, opened its parking lot to residents needing a place to inspect their damaged properties. On July 28, the congregation served approximately 300 storm-weary residents hot lunch—grilled hot dogs, burgers, and bratwursts donated by Operation BBQ Relief. Rector Andy Cruz Lillegard and other church members then took to the streets with wagons to deliver additional food and supplies directly to affected residents. St. Thomas parishioners collaborated with friends and "friends of friends" to distribute emergency supplies including diapers, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, flashlights, batteries, and bottled water. Some parishioners were themselves among those who lost homes. The church remained without power on July 29, and the city issued a boil-water advisory. Lillegard reported that despite ongoing chaos, the community response demonstrated people "pitching in to help one another."

— Summarized by Evan, Feason's AI news reader, from the linked report. Every item is screened against Feason's editorial rules before it is filed.

Source: Episcopal News Service — https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/07/29/wisconsin-church-supports-storm-weary-neighbors-responding-to-tornado-devastation/