07/28/2026
Our hearts are with everyone in Menasha and the surrounding Fox Valley communities after yesterday’s devastating tornado.
Seeing homes and businesses torn apart is difficult to comprehend. These were not simply buildings—they were places where families gathered, children grew up, memories were made, and people built their lives. Some of our neighbors are now facing the painful reality of having lost nearly everything and needing to begin again.
We are deeply thankful that, as of the latest reports, there have been no confirmed fatalities. We continue to hope and pray that everyone is physically safe, especially as emergency crews continue searching damaged areas and checking on residents.
Right now, one of the most important ways we can help is by giving first responders, utility workers and emergency-management teams the room they need to work. Please stay away from damaged neighborhoods unless you live there or have been specifically requested to assist. Downed power lines, gas leaks, unstable buildings, fallen trees and blocked roads remain serious dangers. Well-intentioned sightseeing or uncoordinated volunteering can delay the people who are trying to save lives and restore essential services.
For those wanting to help:
• Follow the City of Menasha, local police, fire departments and Winnebago County Emergency Management for verified requests.
• Do not bring unsolicited donations directly into the affected neighborhoods. Wait for official collection locations and lists of needed items.
• Consider donating financially through established disaster-relief organizations actively serving the area. Monetary donations often allow relief workers to purchase exactly what families need without overwhelming shelters with unusable items.
• Check safely on elderly, disabled or vulnerable neighbors who may be without power or unable to get supplies.
• Be cautious of fraudulent fundraisers and verify where your donation is going before sending money.
• When organized cleanup efforts are announced, volunteer through the official coordinating organization rather than entering damaged property independently.
In the days ahead, the news cameras will eventually leave, but the families affected will still be sorting through debris, dealing with insurance, replacing belongings and trying to rebuild some sense of normal life. That is when continued kindness will matter most.
Property can be rebuilt and possessions can eventually be replaced, but that does not make the loss insignificant. To those who lost homes, businesses, vehicles, keepsakes or a lifetime of memories: you are not alone. Your neighbors across Northeast Wisconsin are thinking of you, praying for you and preparing to stand beside you through the long recovery ahead.
Please keep Menasha, the Fox Valley and every responding emergency worker in your thoughts. Let us help carefully, give generously and make sure our desire to help never gets in the way of those doing the dangerous work on the ground.
