Personal Stories of Hope
While the long-term environmental benefits of the trees planted through our Community Tree Recovery program are tremendous—particularly in terms of energy savings, air quality, water quality, and carbon sequestration—the personal stories of the individuals who received these trees are even more incredible.
One young boy in particular loved to see Bella and would always stop to pet her through the fence before running across the street for class.
When a devastating EF5 tornado tore through the community of Moore on May 20, 2013, children took shelter in the hallways of their school. Bella’s little friend noticed a young girl across the hallway who was upset and scared. He went to the little girl, put his arm around her, and tried to reassure her that everything was going to be alright. He then laid his body over hers, and when the walls of their school caved in, this act of heroism saved the little girl’s life—while taking his.
In the aftermath of the storm, Linda gratefully received trees from the Community Tree Recovery program and its planting partner, RETREET. She said they would restore shade for her dog Bella. But more importantly, they would stand as a reminder of the heroic little boy and help restore the daily ritual of children stopping to pet Bella on their way to school.
Read more about the Moore Tree Recovery efforts.
Jerry and Charlotte lived in their house for 39 years and watched as all but one of the trees they had planted and nurtured were destroyed.
“I felt sick to my stomach to see no trees. That’s what this town was built on, and that’s what I miss—the trees,” Charlotte told Arbor Day Foundation staff at a tree distribution event. “To receive these trees today is wonderful. We will get them planted; it is a start for the next generation. We may not get to see the full benefit of these new trees, but we get to see them planted today and know of the nourishment they will bring to our community.”
Read more about the Nebraska Tree Recovery efforts.
The family was at home when the tornado hit, and they took shelter in the bathroom. Around them, they could see their entire house literally twist with the wind. FEMA later declared that the home was actually lifted off the ground and moved. The amazing part is that FEMA officials have also stated that the trees around the house saved the lives of Christina and her family. There were two rows of pines on either side of the property, and the trees folded in to form “hands” covering the house. The trees were lost, but Christina was ecstatic to be able to replace them with trees from the Community Tree Recovery program.
Read more about the Central Arkansas Tree Recovery efforts.
