I’m not sure that I can find the words to describe the level of devastation that Joplin received. Pictures don’t come close to depicting the destruction. The people of Missouri are strong and resilient and I admire them greatly. I am also in awe of how much support they have received and the generosity that has been poured out on them. They are by no means living high on the hog, but I feel I can safely say that all their basic necessities are being met. The generosity of the I Heart The Mart readers was incredible. We were able to completely fill a med size U-haul truck and had another load of packages to pick up form readers that had mailed them in. Here is some perspective on what you guys were able to accomplish. I picked up somewhere between 30-40 boxes from The Vineyard Church, those boxes contained more than 1300 items. Now multiply that to an entire truck… we helped a lot of people.
Our work day was eye opening as well. We volunteered through Americorps and let me tell you they brought their A game. Very organized and extremely well planned. It was however difficult to get the information out to be able to work with other IHTM in the field. We had a group of about 10 people that went and worked on turning an apartment home in the back of the main property into a waterproof home for a family. We worked on cinder blocking the base of home and sealing it. We had to raise the floor because of a crack in the foundation that couldn’t be repaired in time to meet the deadline for the homeowner to keep her kids according to CPS. Our goal was to make it liveable by Thursday. While we obviously didn’t get it all done, we were able to blaze the path for other volunteers to finish. The lady’s house we were working at promised that she would send pics when it was finished.
All in all it was a terrific, horrific experience. Our faith in our fellow man was strengthened and a realization of how powerless and powerful we can be all at the same time was instilled. If you have the opportunity I highly recommend that you go help these very courageous people. Thanks for all that you have done!
Little Markets were set up all over the city where poeple could come shop for items they needed at no cost. We donated our items to several of these.
This was one of the most awe inspiring sights you will ever see. Total Destruction surrounding this Cross, standing tall seemingly untouched.
Friends we made on our trip!
I think it is so awesome that you came and not only donated items but volunteered as well. Volunteers are a critical part of our recovery right now and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the help of our fellow Americans. The task we have ahead of us is a very big and overwhelming one. That being said I know that Joplin will eventually be better than ever. I just wanted to send you a heartfelt thank you!!!
Do they still need items? I have some toiletry and first aid products I could still send, but wondered if maybe they are overwhelmed with them at this point.
I think they are okay on those items now. they are short on food, paper products and size 5 & 6 diapers.
Ya’ll were awesome ambassadors for all of us! Thanks for volunteering your time and efforts! You and your son rock!
awww How Nice of you and everyone… God Bless all of them and you =)
Reading this post and then getting to the end with the picture of the cross sent chills down my spine! God is so good and what a blessing to have been a part of that! Thank you so much for volunteering your time!