Illinois Community Devastated by Tornado, God's Pit Crew Responds

Volunteer teams provide critical aid and supplies to families in Kankakee, Illinois after powerful EF-3 tornado strikes

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:06pm

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In response to the catastrophic EF-3 tornado that tore through Kankakee, Illinois, leaving a path of destruction across the community, the non-profit organization God's Pit Crew is mobilizing volunteer teams to assist residents facing significant property damage and dangerous conditions in the aftermath of the storm. The volunteer teams will focus on removing large, damaged trees from residential properties and installing emergency roof tarps to help protect homes from additional weather exposure.

Why it matters

The powerful EF-3 tornado caused severe structural damage and widespread debris throughout Kankakee neighborhoods, leaving many homeowners struggling to begin the recovery process. God's Pit Crew's disaster relief efforts will provide critical assistance to families in need as they work to restore safety and stability to their homes.

The details

God's Pit Crew volunteers will be stationed in the Kankakee area from March 15 through March 28, 2026, providing hands-on disaster relief. Trained volunteers will utilize specialized equipment to assist with heavy tree removal and roof tarping efforts while also offering emotional and spiritual encouragement to those navigating the aftermath of the disaster. In addition to the onsite volunteer assistance, a tractor-trailer load of pallets containing critical relief items packed inside the ministry's Blessing Buckets and children's Play Pails have also been deployed to Kankakee.

  • The EF-3 tornado struck Kankakee, Illinois on March 12, 2026.
  • God's Pit Crew volunteers will be deployed to Kankakee from March 15 through March 28, 2026.

The players

God's Pit Crew

A non-profit organization that provides disaster relief and humanitarian aid to communities in need.

Chris Chiles

The Immediate Response Director for God's Pit Crew.

Randy Johnson

The President and Founder of God's Pit Crew.

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What they’re saying

“Scenes like this are heartbreaking, but we know that hope begins when people show up to serve.”

— Chris Chiles, Immediate Response Director, God's Pit Crew

“These responses are made possible entirely through the faithful generosity of donations that fuel our trucks and equipment, allowing our crews to safely deploy – and the prayers covering our teams.”

— Randy Johnson, President and Founder, God's Pit Crew

What’s next

God's Pit Crew volunteers will continue their disaster relief efforts in Kankakee through March 28, 2026, providing critical assistance to families in need.

The takeaway

God's Pit Crew's rapid response and hands-on support for the Kankakee community demonstrates the power of community-driven disaster relief efforts in the face of devastating natural disasters. Their work to clear debris, tarp roofs, and provide emotional encouragement will be invaluable as residents work to rebuild their homes and lives.