I want to start off by saying that my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the recent horrific tornado that tore through Joplin, MO. What a tragedy! I haven't been able to get them out of my mind since Sunday night when I first heard about it. I can't stop thinking of how I can possibly help them in any way I can. By Monday morning opportunities were popping up everywhere I looked. My first instinct is to keep them all in my prayers; the children, parents, friends, family, loved ones, emergency response teams and many volunteers that continue to help in any way they can. God promises to NEVER leave your side.
My home church Abundant Life Baptist Church has been generous enough to open up a drop site at The Core Monday-Friday from 8:30am - 8:00pm. They are located at 414 SW Persels in Lee's Summit, Missouri.
Here is a list of the items requested by Red Cross:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Baby formula
- Diapers and wipes
- Toiletries
- Empty gas cans
- Extension cords
- Blankets and towels
- Medical supplies (sterile adhesive bandages, hypoallergenic adhesive tape, aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids)
- Please note that the Red Cross asks that no more clothing be donated because they have been overwhelmed with those items.
ALBC will also be partnering with Forest Park Baptist Church in Joplin to further serve the community in any way they can. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Chris Thomson at the church office at (816)554-8181, extension 127.
I have also recently joined Teisha Barber, the organizer of Models on a Mission: Joplin, MO Benefit Show, to help raise money to send a couple of local charities there in Joplin. The show will take place at the Vox Theater on Thursday night, June 16th. She is looking for models, designers, stylists, Make-up Artists, photographers, etc. to participate in the fashion show. She has formed a group on Facebook for all interested in helping out: Models on a Mission: Joplin, MO Benefit Show.
Evil Pawn Jewelry has chosen 3 of their GORGEOUS pieces to partake in this event. Until June 23rd, they will donate the proceeds to a charity/relief fun from these necklaces. Here are the 3 pieces that were chosen:
The proceeds of the first necklace (The Caroline Necklace) is the one chosen for the families impacted from the recent tornado in Joplin. You can find out more about these necklaces and the charities the proceeds will go to by visiting Charity/Relief Fund Pieces on Facebook or visit the Evil Pawn Jewelry website. I recently purchased the Caroline Necklace myself. I highly encourage visiting the website to read the inspiration stories behind Faith Evangeline's jewelry. She is an awesome woman!
It's times like these when we need to pull together and do anything we can to help others in need. I pray that God will continue to be with the residents of Joplin as they get through this very difficult time.
