Tornado in Menasha

Humanity First Oshkosh had the privilege of serving alongside our community in the aftermath of the devastating EF-3 tornado that impacted Menasha, Wisconsin.

Working alongside the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Oshkosh, Humanity First USA volunteers prepared and provided essential relief to those in need.

A group of men and boys wearing blue Humanity First vests stand with boxes of packed hygiene and home supplies for disaster relief.
A woman wearing a high visibility vest carries a plastic tub of relief supplies out to the street.

Our Impact

Eight volunteers from the Woman’s chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community Oshkosh helped assemble care packages filled with basic hygiene essentials, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, and other personal care items. These donations were distributed through the Humanity First Disaster Relief Team to help meet the immediate needs of those affected.

Oshkosh compassion after Menasha tornado

When the recent EF-3 tornado hit Menasha, the sirens in Oshkosh were sobering. When they turned off, thankfully, Oshkosh was spared, but our neighbors in Menasha were hit hard. Growing up 20 minutes away made online posts of destroyed homes especially heartbreaking. But when I went to Menasha, I realized nothing can replace the impact seeing disaster firsthand leaves on you. Knowing Oshkosh was safe wasn’t enough when Menasha was suffering.

I went to Friday prayers at Qamar Mosque the week of the destruction. Our local Ahmadiyya Muslim Community partnered with Humanity First USA — the nonprofit parent of our school’s Humanity First Student Organization — to pack coolers and care packages. I initially planned to leave once volunteers went to drop off donations, but I felt I had to do more. I joined a carpool to Menasha, where our group helped deliver care packages and coolers. Once there, we asked around and found a big need for volunteers on the ground, so we stayed to sort donations. Our volunteers returned the following days.

This experience reminded me that nothing goes above humanity. When the community needs you, it is your duty to step up and do what you can. Disaster doesn’t stop at city borders, and neither should compassion. These aren’t just online posts — they are our neighbors. I am proud to see Wisconsin stand together for Menasha. And if you want to step up for future community needs, you can learn more and get involved at humanityfirstusa.org.

Hiba Malik

President, Humanity First Student Organization at Oshkosh West High School

Published: https://www.thenorthwestern.com/story/opinion/readers/2026/08/15/oshkosh-northwestern-letters-editor-menasha-tornado-kindness/91263601007/

A woman wearing an high visibility vest labels large plastic packing containers full of relief supplies.
Three people wearing blue Humanity First vests unload supplies from pallets in a parking lot.
A child wearing a high visibility vest picks up small tree branches from a yard.
A child wearing a high visibility vest picks up small tree branches from a yard.