How to help Tornado Victims of KS and MO!

(Photo credit CBS News)

The aftermath of this weekend’s storms is becoming very apparent today.  Nearly 30% of the city of Joplin, Missouri was damaged or destroyed by a massive tornado that struck on May 22nd.    Many perished in the storm, but there are thousands of survivors who are in need of basic necessities such as food, water and shelter.

In the past I have seen Penny Pinchin’ Mom readers rise to the occassion to help others.  You all have learned how to save money on necessities and often times have stockpiles.  So many of you dug into those items and donated them to help others in Alabama recently — and I thank you for that. 

I know many of you want to find a way to help those struck by tornados in both Joplin, MO and Reading, KS.  Of course, you can’t (and should not) just send items to these areas without going through the correct channels.  Here are several great ways that you can make donations of items and cash.  If you are unable to help in these ways, prayer is always a great way to help – as they could use all of them that they can get.

Kansas City Blood Drives:  Today, there will be two blood drives available for people to stop in and help —

American Red Cross Greater Kansas City Chapter
2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cass County Room
211 W. Armour Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64111

YMCA
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Community Room
10301 East State Route 350
Raytown, MO 64138

Volunteer:  If you want to physically help and volunteer, you can call 800-427-4626.  If you have any medical training, head to ShowMeResponse.org

Help with Long Term Relief:  Often times, after storms such as these, the donations stop.  You can help with the ongoing efforts by checking out Missouri Interfaith Disaster Response Organization.

Heart of Missouri United Way:  Donate $10 instantaly by  “JOPLIN” to 864833.Red Cross: You can make a cash donation to the Red Cross to help victims on both sides of the state line by heading to their site and donating.  You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate.

Heart to Heart International:  This is a company based out of Olathe, KS.  You can donate online at www.hearttoheart.org , calling 913-764-5200, or mailing it to 401 S. Clairborne, Suite 302, Olathe, KS 66062.  You can also sign up to volunteer if you have medical training — call 913-764-5200 or email volunteer@hearttoheart.org.  You can also put together hygiene kits — get more information on Heart to Heart’s website at www.hearttoheart.org.

Humane Society:  You can make a donation to help the animals affected by the storm by heading to www.hsmo.org .

Missouri Mavericks:  The Missouri Mavericks are collecting bottled water, clothing, toiletries and other donations at their team store at the Independence Event Center until 6 p.m. Monday, May 23.

Northland Auto Body and Tow: They are taking donations for blankets, bottled water, toiletries, canned goods, radios, tarps, flashlights, batteries and clothing to be dropped off at 64th and Chattham.  For more information call 816-741-2588.

Southwest Missouri Bank has established an account to assist tornado victims. They have made an initial $10,000. All money will go to the Red Cross to be used in Joplin. Ask for Red Cross Joplin Tornado Fund. Drop off at any SMB Branch.

Out of town, mail to:

SMB- Red Cross Joplin Tornado Fund
110 N. Neosho Blvd.
Neosho, Missouri 64850

I know that there are MANY more ways to donate and help — I’ve listed only a few here. Thank you all for you warm and giving hearts. 

Thanks, Penny Pinchin' Mom