Berry: What's Really Important

Today’s report was going to be an end of session round up of what the legislature accomplished. I feel we can get to that next week.

What’s really important is Joplin

When you see a city hit by such a tragedy your heart goes out to them. More than that you want to help them. I have been in contact with my fellow Representatives from the area and they have given us the following information.

Supplies Needed

Those bringing supplies to Joplin are now being turned away because of lack of storage. In addition, individuals now need to have a pass to enter the disaster area, and the disaster relief team is asking people to please NOT come to Joplin at this time. The added congestion is slowing down the relief effort and causing much confusion as they continue their recovery efforts.

With this in mind, Representative White asked me to secure warehouses outside of Joplin in which to store incoming supplies. He does NOT want to turn anyone away! With the help of Representatives Mike Kelley and Lyndall Fraker, we have secured two warehouses where supplies can be taken.

So, here’s how you can help!

At this time please do not travel to Joplin.

1. I Encourage you to look at the supply list. We will be arranging a drop off point in the area so that the 35th District can send help.
   
   List of supplies:
   
   Nutrition
   
   • Bottled Water
   • Ice (during disasters)
   • Baby Food and Formula
   • Beans and Rice
   • Canned Foods
   • Cereal
   • Crackers
   • High Protein Snack Bars
   • Juice
   • Pasta
   • Powdered Milk
   • Sports Drinks
   • Vitamins
   Cleanup Supplies & Kits
   
   • 5-Gallon Buckets with reseal able lid
   • Air Freshener
   • Bleach
   • Cleaning Towels or Reusable Wipes
   • Clothes Line
   • Clothes Pins
   • Disinfectant Dish Soap
   • Dust Masks
   • Heavy-Duty Trash Bags (33-45 gallon)
   • Household Cleaner
   • Insect Repellant
   • Latex Gloves
   • Liquid Laundry Detergent
   • Scouring Pads
   • Scrub Brushes
   • Sponges
   • Work Gloves
   Personal Hygiene
   
   • Band-Aids
   • Bars of Soap (bath size)
   • Combs (large and sturdy)
   • Hand Towels (15"x25” to 17"x27”; no kitchen towels)
   • Nail Files or Fingernail Clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
   • Toothbrushes (single brush only in original sealed package; no child-size brushes)
   • Toothpaste (large tube with expiration date of at least 6 months)
   • Washcloths
   Miscellaneous
   
   • Baby Bottles
   • Baby Diapers
   • Baby Wipes
   • Batteries
   • Building Materials
   • Flashlights
   • Forklifts / Pallet Jacks / Hand Trucks
   • Generators
   • Hand Tools
   • Medical and Dental Supplies
   • Mops and Brooms
   • School Supplies
   • Seeds and Agricultural Tools
   • Tarps
   • Tents
2. People wanting to volunteer for clean-up please be patient. Your services will be needed in the weeks and months to come. If you or a group wants to help please give my office a call at 573-751-2238. We will work to coordinate with other efforts being organized.

Other ways to help…………

The Salvation Army Disaster Relief Efforts, people can text the word “JOPLIN” to 80888 for an automatic $10 donation; by calling 1-800-Sal-Army (1-800-725-2769) or by going to www.salvationarmy.us. Donations may be mailed to The Salvation Army, 3637 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111.

As always if you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact my office at (573) 751 – 2238 or by email at TJ{dot}Berry{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.