Joplin Relief

Yesterday there was a devastating and life changing storm in Joplin, Missouri. An EF4 tornado ripped through the town and completely destroyed 1/3 of the city. Joplin has been a very important part of my life. I live an hour away from there and when I was in high school and even after that my husband and my friends and I would make day trips to Joplin to go to the mall or to a concert. So many memories were made there. We have friends from Joplin and family members there as well. So far, everyone that I know personally is okay but the loss of homes and their loved ones is tragic. I wanted to write a quick post about how you can help. Even just prayer would be wonderful but if you feel so inclined I am including a list of national relief efforts and a list of local ones as well. Thank you so much for reading and for any help that you may be able to give. 

National:

"The Salvation Army's disaster-relief efforts in Joplin can be supported by texting "JOPLIN" to 80888 to make a $10 donation. You can also donate through their website or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

World Vision is now expanding its tornado relief to include the Joplin area. It has sent a team there to determine the most urgent needs. Text"'TORNADO" to 20222 to give a $10 donation. You can also donate online or call 1-888-511-6443 to support World Vision's effort.

Donations to AmeriCares can be made online or by phone at 1-800-486-HELP.

The disaster-response team with Convoy of Hope is heading to Joplin with a truckload of water, snacks and ready-to-eat meals. It is coordinating with local officials to determine what additional supplies should follow and at what locations they can provide essential supplies. Those wanting to help can text the word "CONVOY" to 50555 to make a $10 donation. You can also donate online or by calling 1-417-823-8998.

The Heart of Missouri United Way has established the Tornado Relief Fund to help victims. Text "JOPLIN" to 864833 to make a $10 donation, or call 1-573-443-4523.
Heart to Heart International has sent volunteer medical professionals and their mobile medical clinic to the devastated communities in Kansas and Missouri. Heart to Heart also sends hygiene kits for people displaced by the storms, and their care kit assembly instructions can be found here. You can donate or sign up to be a volunteer online or by phone at 1-913-764-5200.

The American Red Cross has opened shelters in Missouri and Minnesota. The shelter in Joplin is located at Missouri Southern State University, and the Red Cross is working to provide transportation to the shelter for those in need. The Red Cross is also distributing food, cleanup supplies and comfort kits, and sending health workers to provide immediate care. Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or visit thewebsite to donate, give blood or volunteer.
AmeriCares has sent disaster-relief personnel to Joplin, and it's working with Access Family Care Clinic to help victims. This expands AmeriCares' tornado relief operation, which has been assisting various Southern states as they recover from their own recent tornado outbreak."
-From CNN

Local:
There are many donation stations around the area.

In Claremore you can donate bottled water and non-perishable, individually wrapped snack food items to the Claremore Police Department lobby before 6 p.m. Thursday. Also, other donations can be taken to the Emergency Management Office located in the Basement of the Rogers County Courthouse. 

"The Catoosa Police Department is sending a truck which will leave from 208 South Cherokee Street in Catoosa at 4:30 p.m.

The Oologah Assembly of God is working with a shelter in Joplin to collect clothing and personal hygiene items. Any donations of underwear and socks must be new.
Pastor Kent Jensen told the Oologah Lake Leader that all items should be dropped off at the church no later than 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Calvary Baptist Church in Inola is partnering with First Baptist Church in Joplin.  The Inola church will accept donations and then will send a crew with the youth ministry to Joplin.  The crew will help with cleanup and distribution of supplies.

In Tulsa, First Baptist Church at 5th and Detroit is also organizing a relief drive starting Tuesday morning. The church says specific items are needed. The list includes…
Bottled water (16-20oz)
Snacks: trail mix, nuts, etc. (in packages)
Fruit: oranges are the best (they are tough and have a peel)
Handiwipes in travel-size packs (fit in a back pocket; can be used by workers and victims to remove dirt and bacteria)
Drop off those items by pulling through to the end of the circle drive on Detroit between 4th and 5th.
Someone will be there to assist in unloading the supplies on Tuesday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Food Pyramid is also accepting donations for Joplin relief.  Customers who wish to participate may have $1, $3, or $5 added to their total checkout.  The money will be given to the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter."
-From Newson6

I'm sure there are more places taking donations around the surrounding areas. If you would like to help and need to find a place to donate things please email me at honeyandthread@yahoo.com I will do my best to help find a place near you. 

Keep Joplin and the other areas that were hit in your prayers and please help spread the word.