A semi trailer loaded with supplies from Iowa will soon be bound for Joplin, Missouri. The trailer is located in a parking lot near Veterans Auditorium in Des Moines. It’s decorated with a large banner reading “Joplin Tornado.”
It’s been three weeks since the deadliest twister to hit the U.S. in 60 years swept through Joplin. Survivors are now trying to rebuild their lives. Employees of Des Moines’ Mercy Medical Center’s Information Technology department are collecting box loads of needed supplies.
Some of the relief supplies that'll go to Joplin, Missouri.
Sandy Schuck is coordinating the effort. “Some of the key items include plastic tubs to carry supplies in and Gatorade sports drinks. As the heat comes on, we’re going to need some of those refreshments for the workers and all the people down there,” Schuck said.
Small electrical appliances, heavy duty gloves, cleaning supplies and fans are also in demand. Schuck says her group originally wanted to make the delivery a few days after the May 21 tornado.
“They asked us kind of step back a little bit and wait because they were being inundated with supplies and things they didn’t need,” Schuck said. “They asked us to slow down and wait until the Joplin area was organized a bit better and they’re there now.”
Donations will continue to be accepted today before the semi trailer full of goods is hauled to Joplin on Thursday. A church will distribute the items to families in need. The tornado in Joplin, an EF-5, killed 153 people and destroyed around 2,000 homes and businesses.