Many of you will have heard by now that Joplin, Mo. was devastated this past Sunday by a massive tornado. Our regional trainer, Jill Flakne, was okay and is currently coordinating efforts with her school district to help their staff and students.
There is a huge need for help right now in Joplin. Between Sunday night and Monday, AmeriCorps St. Louis Emergency Response Team deployed members to set up a Volunteer Reception Center with Washington Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps NCCC. 2-1-1 is fielding calls from those wishing to volunteer. At the moment it is very important that no one self deploys to the area, and instead calls 2-1-1 (800-427-4626) to help. Donating blood is another great way to help out. To keep on top of updates on response efforts, be sure to “like” Joplin, MO Tornado Response of Facebook.
If I hear anything from Jill about ways that PeaceJam can help her, I will be sure to pass it along. May we all send her and the community of Joplin, as well as all of those there coordinating response efforts our thoughts, prayers, and well wishes.
peace, Jasmin
Heartland PeaceJam 
More ways to help from Joplin, MO Tornado Response facebook:
Phone lines are open at Heart of Missouri United Way! Call 573-443-4523, go online to http://uwheartmo.org/, or text JOPLIN to 864833 to make a donation. A MO family has pledged to match up to $50,000 in donations made to this fund, beginning this morning, and 100% of proceeds go straight to Joplin with ZERO overhead.
Southwest Missouri Bank has established a fund: Red Cross Joplin Tornado Fund. SMB made an initial deposit of $10,000. Donations accepted at any open SMB branch or by mail:
SMB
Red Cross Joplin Tornado Fund
110 N Neosho Blvd.
Neosho, Mo. 64850