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!