June 3, 2011
Ferdinand CRHP group inspires collection for Joplin relief
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
“It started as an idea, and it has just taken off,” said Gloria Rahman. A family discussion while watching the news about tornado devastation in Joplin, Mo., led to a conversation with members of the Women’s CHRP group at St. Ferdinand Church.
CHRP stands for Christ Renews His Parish. The group at St. Ferdinand has spread the idea of collecting items to help renew the homes and lives of the people of Joplin.
“The response has just been phenomenal,” said Rahman. “Once the idea was mentioned, there was no going back.”
Anne Steffe made some phone calls and connected with St. Peter the Apostle Church in Joplin. Just where the collected items will go was not yet determined early this week. But the means to make the connection were quickly established.
Deacon James King said the women’s inspiration “led to contact with, and the offering of a full size trailer by Best Chairs, a Ferdinand based business, that will trailer it to Joplin when it is filled with needed supplies and tools.”
Deacon King said the call went out last weekend, and volunteers are currently being organized to accept items for the relief effort.
The CHRP group members “have also inspired not only our parish but the other parishes in our deanery to offer help,” Deacon King said.
The trailer at St. Ferdinand Church will be open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. EDT; on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. (or until the Vigil Mass crowd is gone) and on Sunday from 7:10 to 11:30 a.m.
Rahman said she received an email message from a woman who had the trunk and the back seat of her car full of sheets, blankets and other bedding items donated by Holiday Inn — cleaned and sanitized but not yet folded.
Following is a list of items being collected.
- Blankets, diapers, baby wipes, formula, toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, toilet paper, bottled water;
- Personal items such as shoes, socks, underwear;
- Ready to eat, nonperishable foods such as peanut butter crackers, canned goods;
- Tools: hand tools, shovels, rakes, axes, work gloves;
- Cleaning supplies: Clorox, detergent, paper towels.
Financial donations are also being sought to fund their efforts. Make checks payable to St. Ferdinand Church, and mark Disaster Relief.
Prayers are also needed, Deacon King said. “Our brothers and sisters in Joplin truly struggle during this time. We especially ask for prayers that the Spirit continue to guide this effort.”
The tornado outbreak in 2011 has affected Joplin and other Midwestern cities and areas in Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois and Indiana.
A recently confirmed tornado damaged homes and businesses in Haubstadt. Several parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Haubstadt reported roof and window damage, with at least partial re-building needed at one home, according to word from the parish.