Neighbors Helping Neighbors Joplin Disaster Relief...How you can help

United Way organizations throughout the country, including United Way of Central Missouri, are reaching out to their sister organization in Joplin to identify ways to help them help their community recover from this devastating disaster. In disasters of this type, the long-term recovery becomes a significant issue. That is where United Ways of Missouri will be focusing their efforts; supporting programs designed to help with long-term recovery including housing, job creation, health issues and other programs aimed at reestablishing some sense of normalcy in a community that will be faced with rebuilding both structures and lives.
There are many options to support the Joplin tornado relief and recovery effort:
Volunteering
People wishing to volunteer or those with questions are encouraged to call United Way 2-1-1 for additional information. The number to call is 2-1-1 on most phones or you can call (800) 427-4626. Due to the volume of calls to 2-1-1 inquiring about volunteer opportunities for the Joplin area, 2-1-1 Missouri call center has asked that those interested in volunteering, visit their website www.211missouri.org and sign up online.
In four days, 8,000 people have signed up through United Way 2-1-1 to volunteer with Joplin tornado relief efforts. That’s nearly one person every 30 seconds. Thank you. We have been assured you will be needed in the weeks and months ahead and that you will be contacted as help is needed.
Again, disaster officials are discouraging anyone from traveling to Joplin this weekend. The people on the front lines are still in search and recovery mode and additional volunteers would be a hindrance to their recovery efforts. It will take at least another week before general volunteers will be needed to assist with clean-up activities and other projects.
Donating
To support immediate recovery, sheltering and mass care efforts, you can direct your funds to the American Red Cross Joplin Disaster Relief Fund. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims. You may also call the local Red Cross Office at (573) 635-1132, mail your donation to American Red Cross, 431 E. McCarty St., Jefferson City, MO 65101, or text “RED CROSS” to 90999 for a $10 donation. Internet users can make a secure on-line donation by visiting www.redcrosscapitalarea.org
If you would like to help through your local United Way, please send your checks to United Way of Central Missouri, 1025 Southwest Blvd. Suite B., Jefferson City, MO 65109, marked JOPLIN TORNADO DISASTER RELIEF and all funds received will be distributed to the United Way of Southwest Missouri (Joplin) with no administrative or overhead fees.
OTHER TIPS
DO wait for a call for volunteers before going to Joplin.
Your safety and the safety of the residents of Joplin are extremely important in a disaster situation. It is safest for everyone right now to allow the first responders to continue their work and allow for clean up in the weeks and months to come.
DO sign up with reputable organization for volunteering.
There are many organizations working right now to create safe and meaningful projects for when the time comes. It’s safer for everyone if you sign up with an organization rather than showing up.
DON’T send unsolicited items.
As requests are made for certain items and supplies, donating to fill these needs is very generous. However, unsolicited items will inundate the town and could potentially harm relief efforts. At this time all non-financial donations should be registered on www.aidmatrix.org/fema.
DO keep helping.
It’s clear that we live in a generous community and a generous nation. We cannot thank you enough for everything that you’re doing to help people in need and for Living United!

United Way Announces 2011 Campaign Co-Chairs and One-time Grants

The United Way of Central Missouri announced this year’s campaign leadership and one-time grant recipients at a news conference this morning.

Two longtime Jefferson City area residents and community leaders will serve as this year’s Campaign co-chairs. Ann Littlefield was a National Bank Examiner with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency until retiring 27 years ago to become a full-time mother and community volunteer. She currently serves on the United Way Foundation Board of Directors; Board of The Food Bank for Central and Northwest Missouri and chaired their" Tigers Score Against Hunger" fundraising campaign. She is the lead coordinator for the Food Bank’s “Buddy Pack” program. Ann has served on the Rape and Abuse Crisis Service board, the Capital Arts Board and held many PTA offices throughout her children's school years. She is married to Ken, President of Central Bank and they have three children, Amanda, Lindsay and Brett.

John Kehoe has been an active United Way Board volunteer and a strong supporter of many of our partner agencies. He currently serves as Chair of the United Way Osage County Advisory Board, and like Ann, is involved with Food Bank’s Buddy Pack Program. He has served on the United Way Board of Directors, having held the positions of Vice-chair, Chairman, and Past-Chairman. He has served on various other United Way committees, and has played a critical role in past campaigns as a team leader and mentor to new campaign team members. John generously donates his time and talent throughout the community. John is married to Patty, and they have three married children, Christy, Kate and Dan; and have seven grandchildren.

“It is a privilege and an honor to have these two individuals lead our community campaign this year’, said Ann Bax, President/CPO of United Way of Central Missouri. ‘They will be a tremendous asset to the United Way and our volunteers.”

The United Way of Central Missouri Board of Directors approved $50,970 for one-time grants to seven agencies; American Red Cross,Community Health Center, Rape & Abuse Crisis Service, Salvation Army, Jefferson City Day Care Center, River City Habitat for Humanity, and Job Point. The United Way received twenty grant requests totaling $299,505. The goal of the United Way is to continue to fund additional programs that provide services in our four county service area.

The United Way of Central Missouri’s community campaign is held annually to help fund the work of its 25 partner agencies and programs. The United Way of Central Missouri serves Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway counties. Over 100,000 individuals were served by these agencies last year. For more information, please call the United Way Office at (573) 636-4100 or visit www.unitedwaycemo.org.