Silent auction and community spirit: how you can help tornado victims rebuild

The response from our community in the wake of the system of tornadoes that moved through overnight March 14 has been remarkable. Area residents have risen to the occasion to bring to the forefront all the positives our area has to offer.

Our businesses. Our community leaders. Our emergency personnel. Our elected officials. Our residents. They have all stepped up, organized, and started the recovery process — literally — moments after the tornado passed through the area.

Pick up a copy of the Daily American Republic, visit darnews.com, or look through any social media platform, and you can’t miss all the acts of kindness. We’ve seen people come together, working as one — donating, sharing, and offering a helping hand wherever it’s needed most.

The toughness of our neighbors and the outpouring of support is a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion we share.

In the early days following such devastation, the immediate needs of food, water, shelter, and basic necessities are crucial. Poplar Bluff City Manager Rob Knodell highlighted that earlier this week, acknowledging the challenge families face without these essentials. How we respond in these first moments, in these critical days, shapes the foundation for recovery.

But even as the debris clears, the journey doesn’t end. The need for long-term support remains. Many will still face the difficult task of rebuilding their homes and lives. Financial assistance will continue to be vital, and this is where we can all make a difference.

At a community prayer service Thursday evening at First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff, many of our area pastors talked about the physical and mental wellness of area residents who are battling back from this natural disaster. They shared how healing starts with neighbors helping neighbors.

The DAR is honored to help by raising funds to provide that ongoing support. We are hosting a community-wide online silent auction, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to those affected by the tornadoes.

We’re asking local businesses and community members to donate items for this silent auction. From March 31 to April 4, you can drop off your donations at the Black River Coliseum from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We’ll create a virtual auction showcasing these donations. It will go live at 5 p.m. Friday, April 4, and run until 8 p.m. Sunday, April 13. Winning bidders can pick up their items at the coliseum on Tuesday, April 15, from 3-7 p.m. You’ll be able to pay online via credit or debit card, or by cash, check or credit or debit card on April 15.

To help get the ball rolling, the Daily American Republic’s staff will donate $500, with the paper matching that amount, ensuring we start with a strong foundation of support. If businesses or individuals would prefer to contribute a monetary donation instead of an auction item, that option is available as well.

All funds raised will be distributed to the victims of the tornadoes by the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency, which serves families year-round with housing, utilities, emergency assistance and more. If you live in Butler, Ripley, Wayne, or Stoddard counties, you will be eligible to receive funds once the fundraiser is completed.

If you would like to donate an auction item or money, please reach out to DAR editor Donna Farley at 573-303-3606, or you can email the newspaper at blufftornadohelp@darnews.com .

Together, we can help rebuild lives and show our neighbors no one stands alone in the face of adversity.

Chris is publisher of the Daily American Republic. He can be reached by email at cpruett@darnews.com .