03/12/2026
This community has been pouring so much love into us and our small business — and now it’s our turn to pour that love right back into the people who make this place home. 💛
Our roots run deep in Kankakee, especially in Aroma Park. My childhood (parents’) home is there, and so much of our close family and friends also call it home. During the storms, my family sheltered in my parents’ home less than 1/2 a mile from where the tornado tore through. Coming out of the house to see the absolute devastation through the community that raised us, has been weighing incredibly heavy on our hearts.
Homes, businesses, and treasured belongings are heartbreaking to lose, but over time they can be replaced. Our loved ones cannot. It feels nothing short of miraculous that a storm of this magnitude spared so many lives in its path and our hearts are shattered for the lives that were lost.
With open hearts, The Sunflower Beverage Co. will be serving warm drinks for victims of the tornado on Friday, March 13th from 3:30–6:00 PM at The Fun Hub in Aroma Park. ☕🌻
This is not about business - it is about neighbors doing what they can to help their neighbors. Every drink will be offered with love and at NO cost. If you feel called to give, donations can be made to the official united way link for donations posted by the Kankakee County Sheriffs department: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1381638254006181&id=100064800573988 — any cash donations to our booth will be directly transferred to the link above.
We know the cleanup is — and will continue to be — all-consuming. But if you feel up to it, join us for even just a moment on Friday. Come exactly as you are — for warmth, for a quiet pause, for a familiar face, or simply to feel held by your community.
We are grieving together. We are standing together. And together, we will rebuild. 💛
🌻
- Alanna