Info on Helping Joplin

Many people have been contacting me to see how to help the people of Joplin who have lost so much in the tornado.  I have been working with several groups and here are the things that I can tell you.

DONATIONS OF "STUFF"
With the exception of plus size clothing for men and women, there is SO much!  Churches and other help groups are currently struggling to manage/organize all the generous gifts.  Please wait to bring furniture or send a list with photos first and let it be matched with a need so the items can go directly to the persons new temporary home.  Send items like hand soap, diapers, BABY WIPES, big trash bags, plastic tubs with lids (to put found items like photos in, especially since it keeps raining) and work gloves.  There are several places to take these including the following:

• Missouri Southern State University,
• Forest Park Baptist Church/Samaritan's Purse,  
• College Heights Church,
• Mystery Church on 5th and Main (call them for specific needs list), and
• New Creation Church on 19th and Conner (needs volunteers to help organize donations).   

DONATIONS OF TIME
There are two main areas of need: clean-up and organizing/sorting donations.  College Heights & Forest Park/Samaritan's Purse sends out groups all day.  MSSU can only send out groups at 8am each morning.  MSSU and New Creation Church needs help sorting, but there are numerous others.  If you know when you want to come to the area, let me know and I can probably link you to a specific project.  For example, today our pediatrician's office needed help painting their new temporary location so they could move in faster.

DONATIONS OF MONEY
 Everyone is collecting funds and lots of funds will be needed.  However I recommend "Angels Over Joplin".  100% of the proceeds will go directly and quickly to storm victims.  It has been set up by volunteers and there is no administration fees.  Right now, the Schroeder family will match all donations up to $50,000. Their companies lost their headquarters & 300 apartments, BUT they are still giving generously during this time of need. I'm really impressed by their actions. I've worked for them on projects since 1996 and I've always liked what I see and hear at their low income housing properties. HOWEVER, their own loss is TREMENDOUS so this matching gift really makes me proud to be affiliated with their companies!



Senior Apartment residents of this property on
Rex Street will benefit from "Angels Over Joplin".

If you would like to be an Angel over Joplin, please send your donation to Arvest Bank of Joplin at 701 S. Main St., Joplin, MO 64801, Attn: Jackie Schell. Please make checks payable to "Angels Over Joplin", a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation, making your donation tax deductible. At least 50% of the funds will go to those who lost their apartments, of which most are low income and many are seniors.  It is my understanding that FEMA provides very little for those who lived in rented apartments. 

And do not forget to do good and to share

 with others, for with such sacrifices

God is pleased.--Hebrews 13:16