Children’s Disaster Services deploys to Ohio in response to tornadoes

By Carolyn Neher

On March 20, Childrens Disaster Services (CDS)–a ministry within Brethren Disaster Ministries–deployed volunteers to two Multi Agency Recovery Centers (MARCs) in Ohio, in collaboration with longtime partner Child Life Disaster Relief. One volunteer was sent to Russells Point and two were sent to Lakeview, in the Indian Lake area, in response to the series of tornadoes that hit the Midwest on March 14.

The tornadoes particularly affected Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. A series of tornadoes in Logan County, Ohio, including one that was a category EF3, killed three people and injured about two dozen others in the area of Indian Lake Reservoir.

The CDS volunteers arrived with a calm presence for children and families affected by this disaster, and a Kit of Comfort, a suitcase with toys and activities chosen especially for children to help with their emotional recovery after such a traumatic event. Through CDS, children are provided with a safe and secure environment in which to play while families seek assistance to aid in their recovery.

— Carolyn Neher is associate director of Children’s Disaster Services.