Hammered by fierce tornadoes that killed at least 139 people, left hundreds more missing and destroyed thousands of homes – the community of Joplin, Missouri receives a large truckload of critical supplies for residents in the storm-ravaged community.
"A 52-foot Ashley truck loaded with supplies from wonderful Alabama community members, employees, the Christian Service Mission and Toomer's for Tuscaloosahas arrived in Joplin and is being distributed to people who have been devastated by this horrific tragedy," says Terri Moore, Marketing Director for the Ashley Furniture HomeStores in North and Central Alabama. "The people of Missouri stood beside us after tornadoes ravaged Alabama last month, and we wanted so much to return the favor."
The Ashley truck recently arrived at Carterville Christian Church, loaded with pallets of water, toilet paper, diapers, school supplies, blankets, personal items, food and more – all to be distributed to the people of Joplin who are trying to pick up the pieces in the wake of utter devastation. Thousands are still without power and water.
Community members in need can also visit two disaster recovery centers in Joplin. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website (www.fema.gov), they are located at:
- Taylor Performing Arts Center, Missouri Southern State University, 3950 E. Newman Road
- First Methodist Church, 501 W. 4th Street
Representatives from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)are on hand to explain assistance programs and help survivors apply for disaster aid. If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses should register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
About Ashley Furniture HomeStore: Ashley Furniture HomeStore, a top furniture retailer in the United States, delivers quality, affordable furniture to customers at more than 425 independently owned and operated locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Japan. Ashley Furniture HomeStore is an exclusive provider of furniture from Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., the largest furniture manufacturer in the United States.