Columbia coming to Joplin's aid
The storm that tore through Joplin on Sunday, killing at least 117 people and destroying several thousand buildings, is now being called the deadliest single tornado in U.S. history.
Downed power lines criss cross the areas of the city where family rooms and bedrooms once were, and gas leaks continue to sprout fires throughout the city. Search and rescue teams on Tuesday were still working to locate missing persons and to move the injured to shelters, and the death toll is expected to rise.
Columbians are contributing to the disaster relief effort in a variety of ways, and community leaders are asking everyone to pitch in.
The Heart of Missouri United Way, companies of Museao and KOMU 8 have partnered to host United For Joplin: A Relief and Rebuild Effort fundraising event being held Thursday evening, with proceeds going to the United Way of Southwest Missouri. These funds will be used to provide supplies and ongoing support to the residents of Joplin.
“When disaster strikes, whether near or far, it affects us all,” said Tim Rich, executive director of the Heart of Missouri United Way. “The devastating Joplin tornado yesterday has impacted the Heart of Missouri United Way as well. Brent Beshore, board member, was born and raised in Joplin. Four of his close friends have lost everything in this disaster and countless others have been affected. Heart of Missouri United Way is mobilizing to provide desperately needed relief and we need your help!”
The United For Joplin fundraiser will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Museao, located at 3500 Buttonwood Drive in Columbia. Entertainment and appetizers will be provided.
During the event, KOMU 8 will be conducting a telethon, hosted by Sarah Hill. Community leaders will be answering phone lines from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. to take donations and contributions from people across the U.S. and around the world. Local businesses that make large corporate donations will be recognized on-air.
The Heart of Missouri United Way has launched the Joplin Tornado Relief Fund. Those who would like to help in relief efforts can go to Heart of Missouri United Way Pay Pal Donation form or text JOPLIN to 864833 to make a $10 donation to the Joplin Tornado Relief Fund.
For more information on the Joplin Tornado Relief Fund, United for Joplin or corporate donations, please contact Emily Eldridge at (573) 808-6689.
Opportunities to help:
Joplin Needs Shoes!
What: Shoe drop-off
When: Until Wednesday at noon
Where: 2309 I70 Dr. N.W.
Columbia, MO 65202 (Map)
The Columbia Board of REALTORS® is collecting shoes of all kinds and sizes to send to Joplin. Old shoes that are still in good condition (sturdy, wearable, not too gross) are gladly accepted.
KFRU Radio 1400 AM and the Columbia Board of REALTORS
What: Shoe drop-off
When: Tuesday and Wednesday morning, from 6-noon
Where: Schnuck’s Parking Lot
1400 Forum Blvd.
Columbia, MO 65203 (Map)
KFRU Radios’s Shannon O’Brien and Brent Gardner will team up with The Columbia Board of REALTORS® to collect shoes of all kinds and sizes to send to Joplin. Old shoes that are still in good condition (sturdy, wearable, not too gross) are gladly accepted.
The MU Center for Family Policy
What: Donation drop-offWhen: Drop off supplies according to the following schedule:
· Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
· Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where:
Center for Family Policy & Research
1400 Rock Quarry Road
Entrance 6 (northwest corner of warehouse)
Columbia, MO 65211 (Map)
What can be donated:
- · Infant formula
- · Diapers and wipes
- · Baby bottles
- · Sippy cups
- · Food for infants
- · Stuffed animals
- · Children’s books
- · Baby/toddler/preschoolers clothes
- · Food for toddlers
- · Toys for infants
- · Toys for toddlers
- · Toys for preschoolers
- · Bottled water
- · Crib sheets
- · Crib blankets
- · Latex gloves
- · Paper plates
- · Paper bowls
- · Plastic utensils
OR
To make a financial contribution, please make checks out to CMAEYC and write “Joplin” in the subject line. For further information contact: Jackie Hawks at (573)-882-3564 or [email protected]
United For Joplin fundraiser
What: Telethon and live entertainment
When: Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Museao
3500 Buttonwood Dr.
Columbia, MO (Map)
Live entertainment and appetizers will be provided, as well as a telethon, hosted by Sarah Hill of KOMU 8.
Individuals and businesses are asked to make tax-deductible donations through the United Way. All funds will go directly to Joplin for recovery efforts.
Sponsored by the Heart of Missouri United Way, companies of Museao and KOMU 8.
D.Rowe’s food collection
What: Bottled water, food and hygiene item collection and drive
When: Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: D. Rowe’s Restaurant parking lot
1005 Club Village
Columbia, MO (Map)
After talking with The Heart of Missouri United Way, D. Rowe’s has partnered with The Food Bank For Central & Northeast Missouri to collect hygiene items and bottled water for the victims of Sunday’s tornado.
Operation Give: COMO Cares
What: Collection site for blankets, pillows small amounts of clothing, toilet paper, tooth brushes, diapers, bottled water and factory seal food items
When: Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Sears parking lot
Columbia Mall
2201 W. Worley Street
Columbia, MO (Map)
Operation Give: COMO Cares has orchestrated a collection where Fry Wagner Moving Co. will be helping to transport all collected items to the Salvation Army in Joplin.
One State. One Spirit. One Mizzou
What: T-Shirts sold with all proceeds going to support United Way’s Campaign
When: now
Where: mutigers.com
Tiger Team Store
600 N. Stadium
Columbia, MO (Map)
Missouri Book Store
911 East Rollins St.
Columbia, MO 65211(Map)
The University of Missouri is partnering with the Heart of Missouri United Way to assist in relief efforts by producing “One State. One Spirit. One Mizzou.” Tornado Relief T-Shirts. All proceeds from each shirt sale ($14.95) will go to support the United Way’s United for Joplin campaign. Shirts will initially be sold through the Tiger Team Store, the University Bookstore and online at mutigers.com.