December 9 delivered twisters and downpours to North Nashville communities, with Springfield being one of the most impacted areas. The natural disaster spawned the hashtag #PrayForSpringfield and banners declaring “Springfield Strong.”

Strong indeed, because this storm not only left downed power lines, blown out windshields, and torn shingles, it also left a community more tightly entwined and more fervently reminded they are not alone.

Robertson County Chamber of Commerce President Jordan Osborne recounted how after the storm hit, she and her fellow Chamber staff members were visiting the affected areas. As they passed out water and trash bags, they encountered a woman raking up debris in her front yard.

”She’s telling me how thankful she is for this community,” Jordan says, “and how wonderful it is to know she’s not alone, how much she’s reminded of God’s faithfulness through our residents.”

This is what makes Jordan incredibly proud of her town — how a storm that threatened to rip a community apart is actually a catalyst for pulling the community closer together.

“Immediately after the tornado hit, we were getting texts and calls from people asking how they could help, what donations were needed,” Jordan shares. “We knew we had to organize efforts as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Jordan and her staff reached out to local businesses asking for a site to collect donations and the means to transport those donations. Bath Fitters and Airtech jumped on board, donating manpower, space, and a delivery truck.

“Because of their incredible willingness — let me stress that word again, willingness — we were able to collect the donations quickly in the trailer that would also deliver them,” stresses Jordan. “This was instrumental in getting resources, such as water and non-perishable food, to those in need as proficiently as possible.”

United Way of Robertson County also greatly contributed to the swift support response. The non-profit handed out resources and created a digital database to connect need with relief.

The database, reachable via a website link, provides a landing spot for Springfield residents and their neighbors. One can “register to receive updates about opportunities to support local disaster relief,” states the Chamber’s Facebook page. According to Jordan, the link will serve Springfield beyond this disaster and well into the future.

Effects of the December 9 storm remain, whether it’s broken branches or buildings. For Springfield, the most enduring effect is the community’s tenacity, perseverance, and downright love for one another.  From businesses using their available resources to neighbors choosing gratitude, maybe Springfield’s next hashtag should be #SpringfieldStaysStrong.