Local residents and businesses are stepping up to help victims of the May 22 tornado in Joplin.

Groups are collecting items for distribution to those in need. Others are planning to volunteer to help. 

Businesses within the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce are organizing a collection of items to be sent to Joplin on June 2. No cash will be accepted.

The items can be dropped off at the following locations:

• I-70 Towing — 1487 E. Pearce Blvd
• Taylor Tots Children Boutique — 1842 W. Pearce Blvd.
• Harris Auto — 807 E. Pearce

Items Needed

• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Diapers and baby wipes
• Formula
• Hygiene products
• Dog and cat good
• New children's stuffed animals
• Children's clothing
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Small barbecue grills
• Matches and charcoal
• Cooking tools
• Paper plates and plastic silverware

Church Aids Victims

Wentzville Christian Church is collecting items for victims of the tornado. Joe Smith tells Patch that a group will be leaving Tuesday to take the collected items to Joplin. The church also is organizing relief teams of interested volunteers to go to Joplin to aid in the cleanup effort. 

The church will be open daily through Friday to accept donations. On Sunday, the church will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for donation drop-off and again from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday.

Items Accepted

• Bottled water
• Cleaning supplies
• Trash bags
• Baby supplies (formula, diapers, wipes, food, etc.)
• Nonperishable food
• Can openers
• Utensils (sporks)
• Pet supplies
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
• New, unopened packages of socks, underwear, t-shirts
• Extension cords
• First Aid kits
• Tarps

If you know of local assistance efforts or if you are going to Joplin to help, please let us know by emailing Maggie.Rotermund@patch.com.