Joplin says "thank you" to thousands of volunteers

(From the City of Joplin)

On May 22nd one of the strongest tornadoes in recorded history struck our community. The amazing rescue, recovery and rebuilding effort that has followed can only be described as the “Miracle of the Human Spirit.” It is estimated approximately 110,000 volunteers have lent our community their time, talent and heart. The people of Joplin and the surrounding communities are very thankful and want to tell these volunteers know how we feel.


To say thank you, Rebuild Joplin has coordinated an effort with the City of Joplin, The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Joplin Schools and Bright Futures to send a thank you card to every registered volunteer. Cards will be available at several locations for the public to assist in the signing process.

Signing Locations:

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, 320 East 4th Street – Friday, November 18th, 7:30 to 9:30 am

City Hall - Tuesday morning, November 22nd

Cunningham Park – Tuesday, November 22nd afternoon before the Memorial Service

Other locations are being secured and will be shared as soon as possible.

Mark Rohr, City Manager stated “We will forever be grateful to the thousands of volunteers that came to our community. This project can help show our appreciation to those that came in our time of need.” Rob O’Brian, President, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce noted “This is one more way to say ‘thank you’ to the thousands of people who have supported us.”

Hundreds of community volunteers are assisting with the signing of cards to help ensure that all cards get signed and mailed. Groups participating in the effort include: St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Freeman Heath System, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Joplin Schools, Central Christian Center, College Heights Church, Christ Church of Oronogo, the United Way of Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri, Missouri Southern State University, Harmony Heights, First Community Church, First United Methodist Church, Mercy, Fellowship Baptist Church, Connect2Culture, Church of Christ, Southwest Missouri Bank, Commerce Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC.

A ‘thank you’ does more than express our appreciation for the volunteer, it helps us heal. Saying ‘thank you’ is also important because it further demonstrates to the world that our community is filled with hard working, appreciative citizens with a “can do” attitude. Volunteers that did not register with their contact information may contact RebuildJoplin.org at info@rebuildjoplin.org to have a card sent to them at a later time.