Helping Our Neighbors in Need

NEWS RELEASE    ---     From the Office of Representative Shelley Keeney - 156^th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	CONTACT:    Rep. Shelley Keeney
May 27, 2011	(573) 751-5912

 Helping Our Neighbors in Need

I know by now, you are aware of the great tragedy that struck Joplin, Missouri on May 22.  The tornado that hit the town has now been categorized as an F-5 tornado.  Not only was it the most dangerous category, but the most horrific on record in our nation’s history.  We have seen first-hand the massive death toll.  In addition to hundreds of families who are mourning the loss of someone, thousands of people are without homes.  Many of those who may still have a roof over their head have been without power.

It is truly hard to fathom the destruction and heart-breaking situation the community of Joplin is now facing.  In their time of need, our hearts and prayers go out to everyone in this community -- our fellow Missourians.   Even though our local area has suffered much loss and destruction over the past month with all of the flood-related damage and loss; it still cannot be compared to the loss of human life.   

We must move forward and use this opportunity to help others as we could anticipate they would help us in a time of need.  If you are donating to a foundation or organization which is conducting relief efforts, I definitely urge you to be sure to donate to a trusted and reliable one.  Try to make sure your entire amount goes to use in Joplin, not for overhead or administrative expenses of the organization. 

Missouri Legislators are putting together our own money-raising effort to send for the relief and recovery of Joplin.  Members are also in the beginning stages of organizing an event for House members (and their volunteers) to travel to Joplin on Wednesday, June 8th.  On that day, we would like to lend our hands to help as we work with or assist those affected by this tragedy.  More information will be available, so feel free to check with my office for more details. 

I also wanted you to be aware of another more local collection effort.  The Jackson Chamber of Commerce is gathering emergency items which can be dropped off at their location of 125 East Main Street, Jackson.  All donations will go directly to the American Red Cross.  For more details, their phone number is 1-888-501-8827.

Items you donate to any organization will need to be non-perishable since the delivery of these items may be delayed for a couple of weeks.  You may ask why the delay -- since donations are definitely needed and appreciated so much?  The truth is donations cannot all arrive at the same time due to the lack of any remaining storage space sufficient to protect and secure the items until they can be organized for distribution.  Several Joplin state representatives have, however, been instrumental in acquiring a couple of warehouses outside the immediate area.

To help in supporting mid- and long-term community redevelopment efforts to rebuild the city; we, here at the House, have been directed to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks - with its Joplin-Carthage area affiliate  (http://www.cfozarks.org/ ) who has established the Joplin Recovery Fund.  If you are interested in this aspect, checks can be made out to: Community Foundation of the Ozarks, and please note “Joplin Recovery Fund” in the details section.  You are welcome to mail envelopes to my Capitol office at: State Capitol, 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 313, Jefferson City, MO 65101.  We would hope to receive any donations by Monday, June 6th in order to take them with us on our work day.

I hope you will join us in supporting our friends in need and showing that Missouri communities will stand together in their time of need.

Please let me know if you would like to receive my weekly updates via electronic E-Mail, by sending an email with your name to: Shelley.Keeney@house.mo.gov

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns about state government.  Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-5912.  You may write me at: Shelley Keeney; Missouri House of Representatives; State Capitol -- Room 313; Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806 or email me.