Tornadoes; are these something you would associate with December? Many would associate it with cooler weather, celebrating holidays and family, or the month before the new year begins. Tornadoes are associated with spring and summer months when the weather is warmer. As many Texans know, the weather can be unpredictable and change in the blink of an eye. And on December 26th, 2015, it did just that.

Meteorologists predicted that storms were on the way, with some being severe. There was even a threat for tornadoes which seemed bizarre for this time of year. The day went by with everyone awaiting the storms. When the sky seemed darker than the usual night sky, people knew a storm was brewing.

The wind picked up, watches turned into warnings, and people started taking cover in their homes. The storms that formed south of Dallas produced 9 twisters from Hubbard to Blue Ridge, Texas. The strongest of these was an EF-4 in Rowlett, which produced winds ranging from 166 to 200 miles per hour. These tornadoes destructed homes, cities, and families. However, in the midst of this natural disaster, communities came together to support their neighbors.

Tornadoes Bringing Strangers Together

People from all backgrounds lent a helping hand. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, EMTs, local charities and shelters, churches, insurance agents, and individuals did whatever they could to save lives and provide whatever was needed. TangoTab also wanted to give back to help those in need. Within 18 hours, 300 plus people came to an “Emergency Feed the City” event and made over 13,000 sandwiches, bagged over 10,000 chips and cookies, and collected hundreds of donated items. After the event, many volunteers packed their vehicles and drove out to various collection sites around the Metroplex.

How You Can Continue to Give

Many people have asked how they can help or where they can donate items. Many locations are no longer accepting items because so many selfless people have given so much already. Don’t be discouraged, though, because you can still help by using the TangoTab app. From now until January 31, every time you check in or redeem an offer on our app, meals will be donated to the local tornado relief efforts. Restaurants such as Bread Winners, Posados, and Texas Land & Cattle are on our app. Start making your meals matter and make your dining experience a charitable one.