A message from President Greg Kelley:

Our hearts go out to those impacted by the devastating storms in the St. Louis area and Missouri last night. We offer our deepest sympathies for those who lost loved ones or sustained injuries—and for the many of our sisters and brothers who lost their homes or are dealing with significant damage to their homes and communities.

Our St. Louis office is closed until further notice as we deal with the damage it sustained, but our Missouri staff and member leaders will be available and actively engaged in the work of solidarity in this time. We will be sharing more information on opportunities to assist in recovery and relief efforts as well as resources available for those impacted.

Our long-time ally Action St. Louis is anchoring “a three-day tornado relief effort focused on the North and West sides of St. Louis—communities that are too often overlooked in times of crisis.” It started this morning at 10–and you can get the details to join in or sign up at the link above. Further details about volunteering are below.

In the meantime, I speak for members across our four states—we are holding you in our hearts with love and solidarity in this difficult time.

Volunteer Details 

Action St. Louis will be anchoring a three-day tornado relief effort focused on the North and West sides of St. Louis—communities that are too often overlooked in times of crisis. These neighborhoods, home to generations of Black families, have long bore the brunt of disinvestment and neglect. This moment calls for solidarity. 

Our response is rooted in the belief that every neighborhood deserves care, resources, and respect. We are mobilizing volunteers, supplies, and support to ensure our people are not left behind as recovery begins.

We are currently organizing our response efforts and want to ensure you’re connected to the most urgent needs as they arise. Below is some initial information to help you get ready to volunteer if you’re able:

Saturday Volunteer  Assignments
We will focus on the Penrose, O’Fallon and College Hill neighborhood in North city. 
Date: 5/17/2026
Time:10am-3pm
Location: O’Fallon Park Rec Complex, located at 4343 W. Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115 

What to Bring (if volunteering in person):

• Closed-toe shoes
• Work gloves (if you have them)
• Face masks 
• Water bottle

Action STL has purchased supplies and materials but welcomes any additions.

How Else You Can Help:

Even if you’re unable to attend in person, you can support by:

• Sharing our volunteer form with friends and networks
• Collecting or dropping off supplies:

• Water
• Batteries of all sizes
• Flashlights
• Candles and lighters/matches
• Chargers of all kinds
• Push brooms
• Rakes
• Trash bags
• Non-perishable food items
• Diapers of all sizes/wipes
• Gloves
• Masks
• First Aid items 
• Safety goggles

Please do not drop off clothes or perishable items at this time. 

Thank you in advance for answering the call to support tornado relief efforts in St. Louis. In times of devastation, it is the courage and compassion of people like you that transform crisis into collective strength—showing up not just to lend a hand, but to help rebuild hope, dignity, and community.