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Posted In: Branson, Branson Area, Events, General Interest, News by BroadcastBranson.com

Can’t Sit Still – Help for Joplin

For many of us who have seen the devastation in Joplin and felt horrible for them, here is an opportunity to convert our feelings to actions.
Saturday, the RivR is taking a large group to help people dig out and get their homes in a livable condition. We have people who have gone on a scouting mission and now we need all hands on deck. Obviously there is no way to be sure of exactly what we will do on Saturday, but there are whole neighborhoods that are damaged but not destroyed. Our goal will be to assist residents in clearing debris and getting their homes in a condition so they can stay in them. This seems to be one of the greatest needs right now.

When:
Meet at the RivR @ 5:45 A.M. on Saturday.
Meet at 65 & 160 @ 6:20 A.M.
(It is really important that we travel together. We will be taking buses. Traffic is a huge problem in Joplin and we don’t want to compound their problems even more. So jump in with us.)

Who:
People who care a lot and are flexible enough to do whatever will help.
Skill is not a requirement – desire is.
This trip is for teens going into 9th grade – adults. (not advisable for younger kids)

What to bring:
Lunch
Change of clothes (optional – in case of rain)
Light tools – hammer, prybar, etc. (not necessary, but maybe helpful)
Work Gloves
Chainsaw – (again, not necessary, but we don’t know what we will need)
Heavy Machinery – tractors and trailers – (if you want to consider this, we will put
you in touch with appropriate people to help plan it’s use)

Return:
We will quit work around 5:00. We will stop in Springfield for a quick dinner on the way home.
Thanks for adjusting your plans and joining us on this really important trip. We have to continue care for others in significant ways. Please let us know if you are planning to go. Call the church office at 417-546-7487 and tell Lynn or send an email to [email protected]. The sooner you can let us know, the better we can plan the trip.

Our promise is that we will do everything possible to accomplish as much as we can. We won’t waste your time. Pray for the people in Joplin. Pray for the trip. Help us love with our hands, not just our thoughts.

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27

Posted In: Branson, Branson Area, Business, General Interest, News, Other by BroadcastBranson.com

Join the relief effort for Joplin tornado victims
Choose from a number of ways to reach out to our
Missouri neighbors and businesses

Following the devastating storms in southwest Missouri on Sunday evening, your immediate action is requested to assist in the Joplin recovery efforts. Many members of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry have already contributed to this recovery, but vital resources are still in need. Donate money, items or your time through a variety of organizations that are on the ground serving in the Joplin area.

Monetary Donations
Joplin-native Sen. Ron Richard is encouraging Missouri businesses that are looking to help to call the donation desk at the State Emergency Management Agency command center in Joplin at 573.526.9364. The line is being used to coordinate large shipments of supplies and monetary donations from individual and corporate donors.

You can help immediately by texting the word “Redcross” to 90999 or by donating online on the American Red Cross website by clicking here. Donations will go toward the purchase of medical supplies, food and other basic necessities that families are in desperate need of right now.

Recovery Items
A number of items are also in demand, specifically bottled water, non-perishable food, can openers, toiletries, clothing (please have boxed and labeled), work gloves, and construction-grade trash bags. To locate a fundraiser near you, please visit the Joplin, Mo.,Tornado Recovery Facebook page.

Blood Donations
The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has issued a Code Red Alert for Type “O Negative” blood. Please consider making a blood donation at a center near you, if you are able.

Volunteer Your Time
Officials are asking for volunteers with medical skills to register at the Show-Me Response website or by calling 417-832-9500. All others are asked to wait 3 to 5 days to sign up by calling 800.427.4626 or 211.
If you have relatives or friends in the Joplin area that you have not been able to contact, please visit the Red Cross’s Safe and Well registry. Authorities are asking that you keep the phone lines clear by using text messaging and social networks on the Internet.

And to keep up-to-date on the latest news and aid requests, visit the KY3 News website.
Thanks in advance for stepping up to support Joplin as the community recovers from the tragic natural disaster. Please contact the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s office if you need further assistance as to how to make a contribution: 573.634.3511.

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