The Salvation Army, cell phone companies, and employment services are just some of the venues.
Since Monday afternoon, the Red Cross has helped nearly 100 families. Officials say they will be at the MARC as long as there is a need. They also want victims to know, if someone can’t make it to Branson, they will come to you.
“I was in the bedroom watching TV and I heard a roar. I didn't know what it was,”
“When the trailer started tipping and moving, I thought we were going airborne -- I really did,” said Fred Goetzem.
Goetzem and his wife got food, towels, and help to pay their hotel bill on Wednesday.
“I've never been through anything like this before and it helps bring me more at ease,” he said.
Goetzem is just one of the hundreds looking for peace now that the storm has passed.
On Thursday, agencies will provide a shuttle service for people in Kimberling City. Pickup starts at 9 a.m. at the old Harter House building to take them to the MARC.
Edited news release from American Red Cross on March 7:
Recovery efforts continue in the counties affected by the tornadoes on Feb. 29. The Multi-Agency Relief Center, which opened in Branson at noon on Monday, had around 400 people who came to receive services. Red Cross caseworkers opened 44 cases in four hours; those cases are in addition to the 20+ cases that had previously been opened in our more rural counties.
To date, the Red Cross has served almost 2,300 meals and more than 1,700 snacks. Service delivery continues through the MARC this week as the Red Cross and partner agencies meet the needs of the people.
AmeriCorps volunteers at the MARC have been collecting donations of items and distributing them as well. Currently, we understand they are running low on donated items and have requested the following:
- Work Boots
- Bath towels
- Toothbrushes
- Shaving cream
- Conditioner
- Feminine products
- Diapers- sizes, n,1 and 4
- Baby wipes
- Toilet paper
- Garbage bags
- Paper towels
- Bleach
- Laundry detergent
- Reusable grocery bags
- Backpacks
- Blankets
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- School supplies
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Edited news release:
Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri (CCSM), working in conjunction with community partners, is actively assisting survivors of the “Leap Day” tornados and storms which affected families across southern Missouri.
Disaster Case Managers are currently on site at the Multi-Agency Relief Center operating at the Factory Merchants Mall in Branson to assist tornado survivors from Stone, Taney, and Barry counties.
A Disaster Case Manager will also be available at Our Lady of the Cove’s food pantry on Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Assistance is also available for individuals affected in Buffalo, Lebanon, and surrounding area.
For those affected in south-central and southeastern Missouri, Catholic Charities has Disaster Case Management offices open in Van Buren, Sikeston, and Cape Girardeau to provide assistance. Gabe Tischler, CCSM Disaster Coordinator, continues to meet with emergency officials across the region to assess damage and identify areas in need of assistance.
Want to get involved? Temporary housing, non-perishable food items, and personal hygiene products are in critical need. Cash donations and gift cards, such as Wal-Mart and Visa gift cards, are preferred as these types of donations enable the agency to take advantage of bulk pricing on relief supplies.
You can make an Online donation to Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri at www.ccsomo.org. You may also send monetary donations and gift cards to our administrative office located at 601 S Jefferson Ave, Springfield MO 65806. For all other donations, please call Catholic Charities at (417) 866-0841 for drop-off locations.
Volunteer opportunities are also available. Please call Amy Rogers at (417) 624-3790 or e-mail her at: arogers@ccsomo.org for more information. Thank you for your continued prayers and
support.
