On May 22, Joplin, Missouri, was hit by a devastating tornado. The F5 tornado tore through the community leaving houses, schools, and businesses in piles of rubble. A week later, efforts to rebuild are well underway, and schools, both private and public, are a major part of the efforts.
Leigh Moody of KSPR (ABC) 33 published a news article on May 24 highlighting some of the planned activities. From that article, here are a few of the activities schools have planned to raise money:
- Carver Middle School planned spirit week activities in which students and staff could contribute $1 to participate in activities such as Hat Day.
- Central High School set a goal of raising $3,000 through its “Dogs disaster relief for Eagles” fund raiser, which will benefit Joplin High School.
- Delaware Elementary School students collected coins and soap (bar soap, dish soap, and hand soap) through May 27.
- Field Elementary School fifth-graders challenged every classroom to raise $200. They pledged to be “helper for a day” for each classroom that raised that amount or more. The fifth-graders are currently studying a unit titled “Help is on the Way,” which looks at how relief organizations support countries, states, and cities in need.
- Kickapoo High School conducted a Gift Card Rally to benefit Joplin residents. Students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members donated gift cards in any denomination from places such as Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, Lowe’s, etc. Secure boxes were placed in the main office for drop-off. Collection will end June 1, and donations will be provided to the American Red Cross to distribute.
- Reed Middle School is planning to sell Krispy Kreme doughnuts to raise money.
- Click here to read the complete article and full list of relief efforts. (http://articles.kspr.com/2011-05-23/relief-efforts_29576447)
In addition to local school efforts, organizations such as Home Depot and Propell are doing their part to support relief efforts.
Propell is an interesting corporation that works with schools, businesses, nonprofits, and the military to launch online shops to collect donations—emergency causes and regular fund-raising alike. (Propell shops is worth investigating if your school participates in fund raising by selling t-shirts, mugs, etc.) The company is currently working with several organizations to collect donations for Japan, Joplin, and earthquake victims in New Zealand. For schools trying to raise fund-raising dollars for bullying prevention and awareness as well as relief funds, Propell is waiving all fees and setup costs related to those shops, and the cost of designers’ time to create new products.
If you use or have heard of Propell, we would love to hear your story. We’d also love to hear about any fund-raising efforts your school is doing for victims of the recent natural disasters and the success of your campaign. Write us your story in the comment box below, or send us an e-mail. You can ask to remain anonymous.
Joplin In The News:
Rebuilding will take years, millions—and patience
Relief Efforts Under Way Following Joplin Tornado
Local Private School Raising Support For Japan and Joplin, Missouri
