There a number of relief organizations on the ground in Joplin; for those on facebook, you'll find several Joplin Tornado sites, including Joplin Tornado Info, which reguarly updates volunteer activities and opportunities to donate. I would also suggest Convoy of Hope, a local SW Missouri-based organization, since 90% of monetary donations go directly to relief efforts. Our college partnered with CoH last week and raised over $70,000 and sent 8 tractor-trailers filled with bottled water, food, clothing, toiletries, etc. to Joplin.

I went to help in Joplin this past friday with a group from Webster County that was cooking meals at College Heights Christian Church near MSSU. We took a number of meals out into the area hit hardest, and I didn't recognize much of the part of town where my aunt lives -- and we've been going to Joplin since I was a wee bairn. While it is sad to see how the tornado destroyed so much, the spirit of Joplin and its residents is still very much alive and kicking.

Please send me the list of school supplies, as one of the local Scottish groups I belong to is collecting them as well.

T.