Spent the weekend in Joplin, MO

[wagondude]

Our Boy Scout troop went to Joplin this weekend to help with relief work primarily aimed at helping the schools get ready for the new school year. We thought we would be helping to set up classrooms, but most ended up sorting debris at schools that were destroyed. Over 1000 Scouts from many different states participated in the project. Seeing the damage and that after almost 3 months the amount of work left to do was almost overwelming. The Scouts all did a wonderful amount of work even though the temperatures climbed in excess of 100 degrees. Even with all we did, It didn't even make a visible dent in what is left. I have been through a tornado before, but it pales in comparison to Joplin. My heart and prayers go out to all still dealing with this years tragedies (tornadoes and floods). Your stregnth is an inspiration.

Bill

[Woodbutcher]

Thanks for the help you offered in Joplin. It seems that we forget all to soon what happened there. The news just does not cover it any more. The people of Joplin and the surrounding area have quietly rolled up their sleeves and took control of the clean up.

[wagondude]

That is true. They have already removed more debris than there was from the World Trade Center, but from what I could see, less than half is done. The wound won't heal until properly cleaned. The big push last weekend was to get as many volunteers as possible before the FEMA funding came to an end. The remaining clean up cost will be shouldered by the city and state. If anyone is going to be camping in the area, it would be cool if they could consider stopping by to lend a hand. Even just a couple of hours makes a difference.