The outpouring of help has been overwhelming to those affected by the tornado in Joplin. It’s also overwhelming volunteer coordinators, who are telling everyone to be patient.
There will be a need for relief items for Joplin’s tornado victims, but with many of them still without a home or even a place to stay outside of a shelter, that time hasn’t come yet. Joann Moore is with Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter.
Moore says the Red Cross and the United Way is collecting names of people who want to give their time and hard work, but that time hasn’t come either. She’s asking everyone to be patient, store material donations until later, and in a few days, people will be able to pitch in.
They need a place to live, first, she says.
The Ozarks Chapter is also stocked on blood donations and is not taking anymore. Moore doesn’t want to discourage people from donating at their local chapter, but she says they have enough for the people of Joplin.
The real need, she says, is for financial contributions.
To donate to the national organization, visit www.redcross.org; checks can be sent to the Ozarks chapter at 1545 North West Bypass, Springfield, MO, 65803; call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text 90999. Donors can also go to the Ozarks chapter’s website is www.redcross-ozarks.org and make a secure donation.