Tulsa Teens Lend Joplin Tornado Victims A Helping Hand

NewsOn6.com

UNDATED -- Members of a Tulsa youth group left early Saturday to provide manpower for their Joplin neighbors victimized in a tornado almost two weeks ago.

A group of teens and young adults from Tulsa's Park Plaza Church of Christ are in Joplin to help at a distribution center handing out basic items to people who have lost everything, according to Youth Minister Aaron Loney.

"We believe that one of the most important things for us to do is love our neighbors as ourselves," Loney said. "We want to be there to serve them and help them in any way we can."

Church member Lindsay Reese is sending NewsOn6.com photos of the damage that happened Sunday May 22.

"Devastation is everywhere," she said. "It's very humbling."

The church crew even did a little demolition work in Joplin Saturday. Loney said he expected seeing the damage first hand would shock many of the young people.

"I think they're gonna have to talk it through and figure out what does this mean and why does this happen, and I'm looking forward to some difficult conversations along those lines," he said.

Those unable to help in person can contribute to the Red Cross or to funds set up by the City of Joplin and Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri, according to the Joplin city manager's office.

Tulsa Church Group In Joplin

The funds are designed to support the needs of the citizens of Joplin after the devastating EF-5 tornado that affected almost 8,000 structures including businesses, residences, schools and city facilities.

Donate to the rebuilding of Joplin by going online and noting "Joplin Tornado First Response Fund" in the donation form.