Joplin Tornado Update
Update: June 2, 2011: Disaster Relief Training has been scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Red Cross Building on West Bypass in Springfield, Missouri. All those interested to be certified for the chainsaw ministry should plan to attend.You must be certified to work with the Disaster Relief Team. Please call 417-429-4983 to register and for additional information.
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Update: June 1, 2011: The chain saw crews are on hold at this time. Joplin has had an overwhelming show of support in this area. There are still several agencies that need your help:
Convoy of Hope (Springfield Office) : 417-823-8998
Disabled American Vets (DAV) : 417-623-0620
United Way (Joplin office) : 800-427-4626
If you have been wanting to help, you should travel to Missouri Southern State University (I-44 / Exit 11). The signs will direct you to the campus and where to register as a volunteer. Buses begin leaving at 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and will take you to a nearby neighborhood. Groups will then pile debris for pickup. There are other jobs available, as well. This is a great time to show our neighbors that we love them as Christ loves them. You should plan to bring gloves, a hat, sunscreen, water, snacks and wear jeans. Other churches and volunteers have been driving to each of the neighborhoods giving away sack lunches and water, but that is not a guarantee. Better to be prepared.
Posted May 31, 2011
♦ Several Red Cross shelters are operational for displaced residents.
♦ Several different organizations have provided food and water. For the time being, additional food and water are not needed, but will likely be a need in a couple of weeks.
♦ The Harmony Heights Church was completely destroyed. It is a neighborhood church so many of their members suffered substantial losses. The church has set up a "Disaster Recovery" fund to help their members with temporary housing, long term housing needs like down payment money, etc. They would appreciate any contributions to that fund set up at SW MO Bank in Joplin. Just be sure to designate to Harmony Heights Disaster Recovery fund.
♦ Hard Plastic Tubs are an immediate need and would be most helpful to assist homeowners with salvage efforts of personal belongings. This would be an excellent opportunity to make contact with a homeowner to tell them that God loves them.
♦ There is a great need for Chaplins - if you know of one, ask them to call 429-4983 and register as a Chaplin.
♦ Since we anticipate a large group of people in a disaster area, if you have an RN that could go to provide a First Aid station on any of those days, please ask them to call and register as a nurse.
♦ If you need additional information, we will try to keep current information on the Greene County Disaster phone 429-4983. If there are additional questions, please call Ronnie Walker 417-343-3809.