One of the most painful things about losing your home and belongings in a disaster, whether it be fire, flood or wind, is the loss of photos, personal momentos and childhood treasures. It’s the loss of those precious and irreplaceable items that cuts a particularly painful wound.

After the recent Dayton tornadoes, my friend and fellow Brookville High School alumni Ryan Wissinger, reached out from his current residence in Boise, Idaho. He was struck by stories he was hearing from in Brookville, where friends were finding family photos in fields miles away. Wanting to help in some way, but being hundreds of miles away, Ryan had an idea.

He started a Tornado Personal Effects Reunion Page on Facebook. Here people can post items that were found during clean ups or that blew onto other people’s property. People in search of treasured items can post what they are looking for as well. In the couple weeks since this page was established, local folks have posted images of historic photos, identification, stuffed animals, quilts, a wedding dress – and even a couple pets!

Our best wishes are with everyone who was effected by these devastating storms. Ryan and I hope that reconnecting people with their lost treasures will be a small reconciliation on the road to recovery.

The way this page is most effective is by joining and sharing, so please do so today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/334058030599309/