JOPLIN, Mo. - It's been a month and half since an EF-5 tornado ripped through the city of Joplin, changing lives and destroying homes and businesses.
The majority of national attention has gone away, but there are still many from around the country who are coming to volunteer and do what they can to help rebuild.
"We couldn't be the town we are right now without all the help that we've had come in," said Joplin resident Nancy Morrow.
"The purpose to come up here is to help and make an impact," said Andy Stavros with Genesis Metro Church out of Frisco, Texas.
Their first trip was to bring in goods and equipment.
"Ever since then, we felt really connected with the people of Joplin," Stavros said.
For the members of Genesis Metro Church, helping the people of Joplin is a second nature.
"It's part of our DNA," Stavros said.
They find work through a partner church in Joplin as well as just asking anyone they pass by on the street where they might be of help.
"We want to do a sustained effort to continue to make sure the community is supported," said Stavros.
The residents of Joplin are more than thankful.
"I'm a Christian, but this has made my faith stronger...especially in mankind," said Morrow of the volunteers.
Now, seven weeks since the tornado hit, many outside of the Ozarks and Joplin area don't see the continual need of the community.
"Part of us coming out here is to continue to bring that back to our community and say that, look, there is still a need and these people are still hurting, they're still crying inside," said Stavros.
Whether it's taking down trees, tearing out sheet rock or saving plants and bushes...
"We enjoy helping people," he added.
They want to show the Ozarks other parts of the country still care.
"I just thank God for everybody," Morrow said.
