Joplin, Missouri – Small, Friendly, Destroyed

A while back, I published an article on PoemofQuotes about Romantic Things to do in Joplin, Missouri.

I grew up in the area and have been there a few times. Like most of rural America, it is a quiet, friendly place. However, the city itself acts as a hub to the surrounding area. The city always felt larger than it’s 55,000 population.

The city is home to all the affiliate network stations in the area, including Southeast Kansas which is where I lived most of my early years. Every day, I would watch the news, see Joplin, and see the smiles on everyones faces.

What has happened there is a tragedy. I’ve lived through tornadoes before. Hell, I remember when I was younger one went right by my home, ripped the garage door off, and destroyed the shingles. Another, while living in Texas, ripped shingles off my townhouse and roared like a train. This one was all so different.

Joplin is now, effectively, in an emergency. Over 2,000 buildings destroyed, over 100 deaths (which is likely to go up even more as rescue crews find bodies), and trees ripped of their leaves and bark all around the city.

Being on the other side of the world at this moment, I can’t help but think about what is happening there, how my family is doing, and if there is anything I can do to help.

There are two places available right now, that I know of, which need money.

Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

and

Joplin, Missouri Disaster Relief Fund

Please help.