This weekend is Memorial Day weekend. I have 4 days off, my daughters are staying with their dad, so it's me, my fiance, and the baby. We were thinking of going to TN for a mini vacation... but we had a big talk last night of trying to get into MO to help with the clean up and help efforts. We're having a very hard time trying to contact the Red Cross and other emergency departments over there, and don't want to go in flying blind. Is there any way we can help? We don't have the $ to donate, but we can certainly get in there and give them some extra manpower.
@Jennifer, THANKS SO MUCH, I had no idea about that crazy church stuff and I totally understand. I will keep trying the Red Cross and see what we can do. I'm a former EMT and my guy is licensed to use heavy machinery... I know the 2 of us would definately have something to contribute. Bummer some people ruin for the do-gooders!!
@Sue, I hadn't even thought of United Way, thanks :)
Maybe you could donate the $ for the mini-vacation to the Red Cross?
I don't think I'd take a baby there right now....
From what I read at this point they are asking that you do not self deploy to that area. There has been talks that they are starting to require permits to be in the disaster area. That stupid Westboro Church will be there on Sunday (at least that is the rumor going around) holding signs saying that they are glad 125 people are dead, that God hates Missouri, and so on and so forth. Right now there are people gathering together to try and block them from getting anywhere near the victims and rescue workers. Since it seems that with current restrictions they won't get to close, they can certainly cause a disturbance. My FIL and his group are trying to organize a group of bikers to block them. I am afraid this situation will turn very ugly very fast. Your best bet is to keep trying with Red Cross and get on the list to volunteer. There is also a facebook page, Joplin Tornado recovery, that has lots of sites you can go to to offer help. I am probably going to go with my FIL as I will be flying in Sat. Funny we may be in the same place at the same time!
there are volunteers working in Joplin. The majority of this is going thru the Red Cross. Most are professional teams, because of the dangers still existing: downed lines, etc. They are also asking for people to stay back so that the rescue dogs can do their work without muddying the scent. I also know that the search/rescue teams are working a very professional gridwork to systematically search these areas. I think your best option is just to report to the headquarters & be deployed from there...
I will tell you that locally, all over MO, churches/schools/& other organizations are putting together relief supplies to supplement the Red Cross & United Way. Even in our small town of 3500 people, I personally know of 3 such relief deliveries just in the past 2 days! & from the news in StL, there are large truckloads being delivered!
If you're in VA, I would think that the costs of traveling/staying thru the wkend would be prohibitive if you don't have the $ to donate to begin with. I do know that the closest lodging at this point is in Tulsa, OK or in Springfield, MO....that's how far away even the news teams are having to go & that's 1 1/2 hours away!
After rereading my response, I realize the tone of it is of discouragement. Please know that I applaud your desire to help! We are in the same boat & have not been able to get a line on a volunteer sign-up other than what I've recommended. & with following our local news (3 times a day) here in MO, that's our best bet yet....going thru the Red Cross.
There are also a number of churches that put together supplies and manpower. Even if you don't belong to the church, I doubt they would turn down an able-bodied person looking to help out, and it gives you a legitimate group with the organizational power to direct your efforts. By the way, I think it's great that you're turning your vacation into a time to help others, and what a great example to your kids! Good luck and hope it is a successful trip!
I have absolutely no advice for you but I just wanted to say that I'm inspired by your desire to help. How great of you to take your vacation time and help others. People like you make the world a better place!!
God bless those families in Missouri.....
Jennifer yes you are correct. They are requiring permits for homeowners...these permits are (or at least that's what I've heard on the news this morning) two day permits if you need more time they are having to stand in line again for another two day permit.
I agree WBP showing up is going to cause a lot of turmoil that is unneccessary...I sure hope it's just a rumor and they don't show up.
I heard on the news yesterday that they are asking people to stop sending supplies. They have enough for right now. What they need is money to help with the rebuilding. My understanding is that they are also asking people to stay away right now. There's so much going on down there that they can't even properly begin to clean up.The rescue workers are still looking for survivors and bodies and they don't want a lot of extra people down there right now. I don't think there would even be places for you to stay. It's not the best place for a baby either right now.
I think it's amazing that you want to help! I don't mean to discourage your efforts. Maybe try to find a local church or organization that you could donate money to for right now. Take the money that you would spend on the vacation and give it to them. :) I like the Red Cross, but there's a lot of red tape before people actually see that money. IMO, a local organization would be best.
Salvation Army
Would bet they are also on the ground in these areas - they just don't advertise as much.
