Volunteers rally to help tornado recovery efforts in Little Rock, Arkansas and surrounding areas

Volunteers from CareSource PASSE in Arkansas are pitching in to help with recovery efforts following a series of devastating tornadoes that ripped through the state and surrounding areas on March 31. The tornadoes, which were part of an outbreak of severe weather that occurred from Iowa to Arkansas and areas farther east through the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, left a trail of destruction and caused widespread damage to homes, businesses and other structures.

"Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent tornadoes in Little Rock and surrounding areas,” said David Donohue, president of CareSource PASSE. “As an organization deeply rooted in this community, we knew we had to do something to help. Our employees didn't hesitate to step up and volunteer their time and resources to assist with recovery efforts. We are proud to be a part of a community that comes together in times of need."

The tornadoes that hit central Arkansas was particularly destructive, leaving at least 2,700 structures impacted and 60,000 power outages.

Employees of the CareSource PASSE, clad in purple shirts and armed with chainsaws and rakes, worked to clear debris and assist clean-up in a local neighborhood. Their efforts are just one example of the outpouring of support from volunteers across the affected regions, who have been stepping up to help their communities in the aftermath of the storms.

Overall, the tornado outbreak resulted in reports of tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail, with close to a dozen of the tornadoes rated EF3 or higher. While the damage caused by the storms is extensive, the efforts of volunteers and first responders are a testament to the resilience and strength of the communities affected by these devastating events.