After an August 11 derecho knocked out power to more than 840,000 homes and businesses across the Midwest, this Portage congregation fired up their grills alongside the local American Legion post to serve free meals to storm-affected neighbors, part of a broader community-wide relief effort across Northwest Indiana.

As record-breaking floods along the White River forced hundreds of evacuations, ITOWN Church campuses across central Indiana opened their doors with food, water, cleaning supplies, and hygiene kits — volunteers even worked with chainsaws to clear debris and help residents get their cars unstuck.

A line of families stretched out the door for the church's annual backpack and school supplies giveaway, with more than 1,000 filled backpacks expected to be distributed this year alone — continuing a community tradition that has spanned nearly two decades.

In its 7th year, the Tri-Cities Back-to-School Bash brought together SOZO Church, Lutheran Community Services Northwest, and Communities in Schools Benton-Franklin to serve roughly 2,500 students — offering free backpacks, haircuts, dental care, health screenings, and vaccines all in one place.