Mara Strom Sachs watched helplessly as footage of the recent tornado damage in Joplin, Mo., rolled across the television. A blogger and author of Kosher on a Budget, Sachs is aware of the power of social networking.
So after contacting Ariel Boxman, Joplin’s student rabbi at United Hebrew Congregation, Sachs immediately posted information on her blog and e-mailed members of Congregation Beth Israel Abraham & Voliner with a list of how people could help.
“The devastation from the tornadoes in Joplin, Mo., and Reading, Kan., is heart-breaking and incomprehensible. Since I live just a few hours north of Joplin, the tragedy is even more palpable. I desperately want to help,” she wrote. “And I know you do, too.”
According to Sachs, Boxman arrived in Joplin on May 25, just two days after the tornado struck. The synagogue is standing, but professionals need to assess structural and internal damage. Contact has been made with all of the UHC congregants and there have been no reported fatalities within the Jewish community.
“However, many of the UHC congregants lived in the area of Joplin that suffered the worst damage. The homes of the president of the synagogue, many board members and a number of congregants were completely destroyed,” Sachs added. “These families are now staying in temporary shelters and area motels.”
UHC has been named a center for distribution of supplies to those within — and beyond — the UHC community. This initiative is being called “Yesh Tikvah – There is Hope!”
To coordinate the program from Kansas City, Sachs enlisted the help of BIAV’s Rabbi Dani Rockoff and President Andy Ernstein. BIAV will serve as a drop-off point for needed supplies, such as over-the-counter first aid supplies and medications, especially ibuprofen and/or Advil, disposable diapers (all sizes), baby wipes, diaper rash cream, baby food including baby cereal, jarred food and baby formula — especially the ready-made kind. Sachs noted that “water in Joplin isn’t potable right now, so finding safe water to mix with formula can be a major issue.”
In addition, donations of baby bottles and nipples (new only), personal care items, such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other items, as well as new pillows and blankets are needed.
Sachs also said that $10 gift cards to Walmart would be welcomed. “While most of the big box stores in Joplin were destroyed by the tornado, there are two Walmarts still standing. Gift cards will be donated to UHC so that families may replace their belongings that were destroyed.”
The plan is to pack all like items together to make it easier for distribution. And Sachs’ readers at her blog, www.kosheronabudget.com, have already begun to send donations. So in addition to the items listed, boxes are needed.
When Congregation Beth Shalom’s summer camp opens on June 6, families also can drop off items for Yesh Tikvah at the Lamar location as well. “A huge thank you goes to Judy Jacks Berman, director of the Rose Family Early Childhood Center, for her incredible support and enthusiasm for this campaign,” Sachs added.
“The plan is to gather donations and drive them down personally to Joplin on Sunday, June 19. Three weeks from now, the needs will be just as urgent, but the media and national attention will have moved on,” Sachs added.
Boxman, the Joplin student rabbi, is also accepting monetary donations for the congregation. Make checks payable to UHC and mail them to United Hebrew Congregation, P.O Box 661, Joplin, MO 64802.
Many other organizations are accepting donations as well. Checks and credit card donations can be made out to Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, (marked Yesh Tikvah), Congregation BIAV, 9900 Antioch, Overland Park, KS 66212, or call Barry Rubin at (913) 341-2444 to donate by credit card. Checks and credit card donations for tornado relief are being accepted by a variety of organizations including: Union for Reform Judaism (www.urj.org); Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City (www.jewishkansascity.org), Orthodox Union (www.ou.org) or Heart of Missouri United Way (www.uwheartmo.org).
In addition to the Yesh Tikvah project, those wishing to help can check out the Federation’s list of volunteer opportunities, including putting together basic care kits and donating blood (type O is the most urgently needed).