Community meets to discuss community efforts for recovery after tornado

“There has been a lot of talk about being the hands and feet of Christ,” Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers said Tuesday evening during a special meeting in the Poplar Bluff City Council Chambers. “And all of you here are showing that all of us are the body of Christ.”

The meeting was coordinated for churches, businesses and other organizations to explain to the community what they have done to provide assistance, and what they plan to continue doing to help the community following a devastating tornado. Myers informed the crowd there will be a Bluff Strong prayer service at 6 p.m. Thursday night, at First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff.

During the Tuesday meeting, Larry Kimbrow with the Poplar Bluff Lions Club informed the crowd that he had submitted a disaster grant request to Lions Club International for $15,000 to address immediate needs.

“I will also be requesting a $75,000 recovery grant to Lions Club International to use for further recovery efforts,” Kimbrow explained. “If you want to help other communities beyond Poplar Bluff, I can tell you the community of Fremont took a major hit, and the community of Des Arc is wiped out.”

The Rev. Greg Kirk informed the crowd that he was representing two different agencies at the time.

“I’m here as a member of Cane Creek of Stoddard County Southern Baptist and also as director of the United Gospel Rescue Mission,” Kirk said. “The rescue mission guys have been cutting wood and hauling trees and debris the past couple of days. And the rescue mission is preparing meals to feed first responders and volunteers who are helping with clean-up.

“I also wanted to tell everyone the Texas Southern Baptist Chainsaw Crew is in town, now, and they will be able to help anyone who needs help with removing trees from their property.”

Randy West, the associate pastor at the Palace of Praise church in Poplar Bluff further clarified and informed the crowd that Jim Gentry is the man with the Texas chainsaw group. Gentry can be reached by calling 870-219-2355.

“The Texas crew will start taking calls on Wednesday,” West said. “The Palace of Praise will also start collecting school supplies to distribute soon.”

Myers later informed the crowd that the area would receive much-needed help in the form of the organization Samaritan’s Purse.

“It’s very rare that we see this many people from all different groups come together like this,” remarked John Schultz with Samaritan’s Purse. “We will be bringing in outside resources in the form of volunteers and equipment; and we will coordinate with anyone that wants to volunteer to help. Samaritan’s Purse will provide all necessary personal protection equipment and other necessary equipment.”

Samaritan’s Purse has set up a base of operation at the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff and they are taking calls from any interested party who wants to help. The toll-free number for Samaritan’s Purse is 833-747-1234.

“We have a call center set up at the First Baptist Church to help connect home owners to help as quickly as possible,” Schultz stated. “We can work with volunteers of all types.”

Other community resource/assistance information includes: The Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce announced that Walmart has pledged a significant monetary donation, alongside the shipment of two full semi-trucks loaded with vital supplies. This substantial contribution will bolster ongoing relief efforts and provide much-needed resources to storm victims.

First Midwest Bank has established donation points across its Poplar Bluff locations, as well as branches in Puxico, Greenville, Piedmont, Williamsville, and Van Buren, specifically collecting hygiene products for storm survivors.

Bluff First church transformed its Sunday services on March 16 into a resource and distribution center, canceling regular services to address the immediate needs of the community. As of Tuesday, March 18, the church remains a central hub for cleanup assistance and has launched an online tornado relief fund for continued support.

Recognizing the challenges faced by families during this time, Unity Academy in Poplar Bluff is offering free childcare services to both storm victims and cleanup crews, allowing parents to focus on recovery efforts.

Convoy of Hope distributed food at the Black River Coliseum from 12:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, providing essential sustenance to those in need.

FCC Behavioral Health on Lester Street in Poplar Bluff is extending its hours, opening from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to receive donations for storm victims.

Adding to the local efforts, the Munch-N-Pump gas station in Poplar Bluff is collecting donations and offering discounted food items, further demonstrating the widespread community support.

Missouri Highlands announced they will provide behavioral health treatment to those in need, and they have a sliding fee scale in place to help reduce cost of services.

Dave Elledge, Pastor at the Bluff Church informed everyone that the church’s organization Sleep In Heavenly Peace has beds available for children ages 3-18. Anyone needing a bed for a child should call 573-429-0960.

Chris Kellums, director if the Bread Shed in Poplar Bluff announced the food pantry has food for those in need.

“We also have lots of clothing,” Kellums said. “If there is any way we can help, please give us a call at 573-712-6597.”