Joplin

   I just talked with my parents who live in Webb City, Missouri, which is only a stoplight north of Joplin. The devastation is as real as it looks. Their church (College Heights Christian) has had 70 of their families lose their homes that they are aware of at this time. They are serving as a base for receiving and sorting items that are literally being sent from all over the country.

   At this time they are being overwhelmed with amazing abouts of items that need to be sorted, packaged and distributed, as well as fielding phone calls from people wanting to help and/or needing help.

   The best way to help at this time is to send donations to help people get back on their feet. I would suggest a number of places to donate through: The Salvation Army and The Red Cross are the best known relief agencies. Some others are: Week of Compassion (Disciples of Christ), Samaritan's Purse (Franklin Graham), International Disaster Emergency Services aka I.D.E.S. (Independent Christian Church/Churches of Christ) and World Vision. I am certain that you can find the web addresses available for each of those organizations via google.

   The College Heights church is also receiving donations to help. Their address is: College Heights Christian Church, 4311 E. Newman Road Joplin, MO 64801.

   My parents wanted to make sure that I express their deepest appreciation for the prayers and outpouring of love and concern for them and their community. They are amazed!