"For Spring Break, we've been slammed with volunteers, and it's been great. For the past few weeks, we've had 150 to 500 plus a day," says Chad Angell of AmeriCorpsSt. Louis, which is coordinating volunteer efforts in Joplin.
Keith Bethell came with a group of fifteen students from Oklahoma City University. "A lot of us; we've only seen pictures and video news reports, and it's a completely different feel when you actually get here on the ground," says Bethell.
The group of volunteers is working on the 15 acre Joplin Elks Lodge property, hoping to help heal the hurt. Four of the five people in the lodge when the tornado hit were killed.
"We want to help you guys; like our hearts break for you guys, and we want to show that," says Spencer.
With about 430 people working, they're making great progress, but there are many more acres on the site that will need many more volunteers to get it all cleaned up.
"It's crazy how much everything's changed," says Angell, who was in Joplin to help only hours after the storm.
Although Joplin has made a lot of progress, students here on Spring Break know there is still a need.
"I was talking to a little girl, and she was like, my mom had to cover me. I'm like, she's so young and she went through something like that. I've never been through something like that. Just to be able to be there and help them- it's priceless," says Spencer.
Though it's not your typical Spring Break, for these students, it brings a much bigger reward.
"It really makes your heart glad, because you're here helping people rebuild their lives," Bethell says.
AmeriCorps says most of the sites left to clean up in Joplin are wooded areas, where chain saws and helping hands are welcome. Volunteers wanting to donate their time should call (417) 625-3543 or visit the City of Joplin's website for more information.
