In the wake of the tornado that swept through Zimmerman March 6, volunteers from Christ Our Light Parish in Princeton and Zimmerman came together to support fellow parishioners whose farms were heavily damaged.
The National Weather Service confirmed that the touch-down marked the earliest date a tornado was recorded in Minnesota.
Father Kevin Anderson, pastor, said the idea to help was a “no-brainer.”
“When a parishioner has a need, we help one another,” he said.
In addition to physical labor, parishioners contributed wagons and equipment and organized food for the volunteers.
Two work days were held, the first on March 11 at the home of Randy and Darlene Zeroth.
About 75 to 100 volunteers walked through acres of hay fields, clearing twisted metal from calf shelter buildings and debris from more than 200 trees downed by the 100-mile-per-hour winds.
“It was overwhelming, really humbling,” Darlene Zeroth said.
“The [volunteers] came to help us,” she said. “They took time out of their busy lives to come and make ours a little easier. It was very kind. People have big hearts.”
A second work day took place March 25 at the farm of Jerry and Joyce Mueller, who lost about 80 trees.
“It is amazing to see how the parish will step up and help, especially in a time of need or crisis,” Father Anderson said. “I am very proud of our parish.”