On Friday, May 16, devastation struck parts of St. Louis in the worst way. An EF3 tornado disrupted the lives of our friends on the Northside, threatening to shatter the neighborhood’s legacy. Emotions ran high as residents witnessed the wreckage caused by the fast-moving twister that spent 24 minutes on the ground, traveling about 22 miles at 55 mph. Lives were lost and a massive amount of property was damaged, if not completely demolished.

Collective Courage and Willpower in the Aftermath 

Nearly one month later, the city is still grappling with a new reality. The destabilization is real, and there’s ample work to do amid grief, confusion and an overwhelming profound sense of loss. Additionally, severe thunderstorms and steady rainfall has become the norm over the course of the last few weeks, making it increasingly difficult for residents to find their footing.  

Showing Up for Our Neighbors

A Red Circle is grateful to be part of a community voice that doesn’t stop acting and responding to the needs of St. Louisans. As ongoing efforts to support tornado relief victims continues, we have joined the call to come together, uniting with partners across St. Louis for meaningful days of service, including “The Big Give Back” Tornado Relief Drive that took place on  Sunday, June 1, where we helped collect donations of food, clothing, toiletries, and supplies for recovering North City residents. From executive leadership to our faithful supporters and volunteers, our extended family at A Red Circle also remains active in other ways, like financial donations, outside cleanup, distribution efforts, and contributing essential materials like plywood, tarps and nails to help with home repairs.

Our commitment to be part of this city’s restoration process represents who we are and why we’re here – to build, resist and love out loud. We’re called to do the work, and we hope that you’ll embrace the journey with us in a way that feels true to you and the spirit of unity in St. Louis. 

Click here for more information on tornado relief resources or to help with ongoing citywide recovery efforts.