Lichtenegger: How you can help residents in Joplin, Missouri

The outpouring of monetary donations and other assistance is –to say the least- encouraging. From all over the state and nation persons and organizations have come together to help Joplin residents affected by the devastating May 22 tornado.

In fact there has been such a huge outpouring of persons and organizations showing up in Joplin that it has created a systemic problem in the area. Those bringing unannounced supplies to Joplin are now being turned away because of lack of storage. We have heard from the two Joplin state representatives – Bill Lant and Bill White- with the following messages and requests for specific help:

• Heavy equipment operators wanting to volunteer their time and equipment in Joplin should contact the Joplin Public Works Department (417) 624-0820 ext. 564.
  
• Individuals traveling to Joplin 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.
  
• However, they do not want to turn away much-need supplies. So they have secured two warehouses where supplies can be taken. Here is how you can help: If you have collected donations call Van Fisher in the office of Representative Bill White at (573) 751-3791 or (573) 225-6225. She will work with you to schedule delivery to one of these warehouses. If she is not available, please call Peggy Talken, Legislative Assistant to Rep. Sue Entlicher at (573) 751-1347.
  
• Organizations and individuals in communities should combine their donations. If there is a “trailer-truck” load, call Van Fisher in the office of Representative Bill White at (573) 751-3791 or (573) 225-6225 who can arrange for pick-up and delivery. If those phone lines remain busy call my office (573)751-6662 and Denia will hand-deliver your message to Rep. White’s office.
  
• Please be patient; your services will be needed in the weeks and months to come. Thank you for your patience and for all offers to help.
  
• Help get the word out about the supply warehouses by alerting your local media of the above information so that we can all help alleviate some of the congestion and confusion at “ground zero.”
  
• We ask that you please continue to remember and pray for the people of Joplin.
  

Constituent Corner

Perry County is a recipient of a Missouri Foundation for Health grant. In November 2009, the Foundation awarded a three-year, approximately $260,000 grant to the City of Perryville through our Healthy & Active Communities Initiative.

The project, Perryville’s Action to Health (P.A.T.H.), is addressing gaps in the physical environment to enhance access to healthier lifestyles in Perry County. They have substantially updated the park, utilizing grant funds to add several pieces of exercise equipment and a community garden. The city also has leveraged additional funding for field revitalization and walking/bike trail improvements.

I have attached this flier regarding the park’s grand re-opening celebration, scheduled for June 11.

Special thanks to Michelle Miller, Public Policy Liaison for Missouri Foundation for Health for this information.

I wish to express my heartiest congratulations to all the St. Vincent De Paul, Saxony Lutheran, Jackson, Oak Ridge and Perryville High School and 8^th-grade grads. May all your hard work and aspirations produce for you a “dream-come-true” future filled with excitement and success.