Strength in Community: AHN's Resiliency After the Hurricanes

After Hurricanes Helene and Milton swept through the Tampa Bay area, the Academy of the Holy Names community responded with a profound sense of compassion and determination. What began as an outpouring of concern quickly transformed into a coordinated effort to bring relief to those in need.

In the challenging days that followed the storms, AHN families and staff united to find ways to help their neighbors. The Parent Associations spearheaded a gift card drive, encouraging contributions to support families who had lost so much. Donations poured in—$25 gift cards from stores like Amazon, Target, and Publix were collected to help families cover essentials. 

The hurricanes’ impact extended beyond individual families, affecting our community and local schools. Holy Family Catholic School Early Childhood Center, displaced by flooding, received a donation of used school furniture from AHN to aid in their temporary relocation. Meanwhile, a school supply drive for St. John Vianney Catholic School in St. Petersburg brought together students and families to replenish essential materials lost to the storms.

For many, the call to action meant hands-on service. Students, parents, and staff joined forces to assist neighbors whose homes had been flooded. Armed with gloves, cleaning supplies, and a determination to help, volunteers undertook the challenging task of clearing debris and cleaning out water-damaged rooms. On two separate Saturdays, a mix of AHN staff, parents, and students came together to assist with clean-up, furniture removal, and household good packing and disposal at seven different homes of neighbors and friends in the South Tampa community.

One particularly moving story was that of Ms. Trina, a neighbor living close by to the Academy. Her home had taken on several inches of water, and with a recent hip replacement, she was unable to manage the cleanup alone. AHN volunteers stepped in to pack her belongings, move furniture, and remove damaged flooring.

Reflecting on the efforts, Taryn Kendig, AHN’s Faith in Action Coordinator, shares, “After the hurricanes, we had numerous individuals both in our AHN community and outside of it reaching out wanting an outlet to help rebuild. It was humbling to hear the different stories and even speak with those affected. What struck me the most was the outpouring of help—even from those who had been impacted themselves. One comment I heard repeatedly was, ‘I could have had it worse.’”

Senior Cate Peña also shares her experience, saying, “After Hurricane Helene, my friend and I volunteered to help an older lady clean out her house. She had so many belongings because she used to own an antique store. We worked together, packing things up and throwing stuff away. It wasn’t easy, but we kept a positive attitude. We played music, made jokes, and found joy even in the hardest moments. The joy I saw after such a devastating experience deepened my faith and relationship with God. Even in the worst of times, there is always hope!”

These efforts embody AHN’s mission to serve as the hands and feet of Christ, demonstrating the resilience of a community united in faith and action. Through gift card donations, school supply drives, and hands-on service, the Academy has shown that even in the face of immense challenges, the power of compassion and solidarity can bring hope and healing to those in need.