How Virginians Can Help Joplin

With the devastation in Joplin, Mo., Patch is compiling a list of ways to help. This is a work in progress and we will be adding organizations and local drop spots as we learn about them. If you know of ways to help, please list them in the comments or e-mail abigail@patch.com.

-The quickest way to help from far away is by donating funds. Click here to donate to the Missouri Tornado and Flood Relief fund through the American Red Cross. Or, call 1-800-257-7575 and you can specify that your donation goes to Joplin. (You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.00 to Joplin.)

-Or, click here to donate to the general American Red Cross funds. There you can select, "Where The Need Is Greatest" or "Disaster Relief for Countless Crises," among other selections. 

-The Red Cross has set up a shelter where volunteers are asked to gather at Missouri Southern State College at 3950 E. Newman Road (at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.)

-If you know someone in the Missouri area (or you will be there yourself) that may be able to assist with volunteer medical response, have them visit Show-Me Response to register to help. 

Other information: 

St. Johns Regional Medical Center in Joplin was hit by the tornado and is using their Facebook page to keep people updated. 

Also, visit the Missouri Department of Public Safety's State of Emergency Management Agency website for more information. 

If you are trying to locate a loved one, check the Red Cross' Safe and Well website (be patient, the site is loading slowly because of the high volume of traffic.)