The city of Joplin and the city's Emergency Operations Center are turning away semi-trucks filled with goods because no distribution center has been established to store the items and serious weather is still in the area.
The Red Cross relayed the message from Joplin officials, urging area residents to register donations at www.aidmatrix.org/fema. People in need of items will access the website and make requests through the federal and state emergency management agencies.
Also, the city of Joplin has established the phone numbers for those interested in donating their time or items to aid in the recovery effort:
• Individual volunteers wanting to donate their time should call 417-625-3543.
• Volunteers wanting to donate items can call 417-625-3542.
• Volunteer groups (churches, businesses, etc.) should call 314-623-9991.
Despite the warning against sending items, many Mid-Missouri groups and individuals are continuing drives:
Jefferson City
• Project SNaP (Spay, Neuter and Protect) is collecting pet-related donations for the displaced animals from the Joplin tornado. Items needed are cleaning supplies for the pets and the kennels; dry and wet pet food, milk replacer, cat litter, small animal cage shavings, crates, beds, towels, sheets, blankets, rugs, leashes and collars. The Eastside drop off location is 335 Tomahawk Road. The Westside drop off is 304 Troy St.
• Jefferson City Medical Group, Samuel's Tuxedos and all the Jefferson City new car dealers are collecting money and donations of bottled water, non-perishable food items, toiletries, diapers of all sizes, baby items, blankets, pillows, medical supplies and more. Clothing is not being accepted.
• The Red Cross is asking for monetary donations that should be noted for Joplin Disaster Relief.
• Jefferson City public schools are holding collections at each school for grab-and-go food items. Items being requested include water, fruit juice, sports drinks, peanuts, sunflower seeds, peanut butter crackers, beef jerky, cheese crackers, granola bars, power bars, trail mix, personal hygiene items, tissues, plates, napkins, cups and toilet paper. All items need to be non-perishable and not in glass. Some of Joplin is without power, so items should not require refrigeration or heating. Collection will end at the end of the school day today.
• Zimmer Radio Group is hosting a radiothon from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. at Gerbes, 2805 W. Truman Blvd. Monetary donations along with food and supplies will be accepted.
Holts Summit
• Where Ya Headin' Christian Books and Gifts, 165 W. Simon Blvd., is collecting supplies and funds to help out. Donations can be dropped off 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.
For more information, check out the Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=213551895332610.
Linn
• Linn Thriftway Supermarket, 318 W. Main St., will be taking monetary donations that will be delivered to the Red Cross. Checks should be made to the Red Cross with Joplin disaster relief noted. Donations can be dropped off during regular business hours from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
Eldon
• A Joplin Student Fund has been set up at Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks to benefit the students of the Joplin R-8 School District. Any monetary donations can be mailed to the Eldon Central Bank location at 611 E. North St., Eldon, MO 65026.
Vienna
• G&W Food, 407 Independence Lane, Vienna, will be collecting donations.
Belle
• Donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, charcoal, money and more can be dropped off at the high school through Friday.
Tipton
• Dollar General, Highway 50, is a drop-off location for Joplin relief donations.
Fulton
• Fourteen Fulton service agencies have formed Together for Joplin, a coalition of Fulton private and public agencies to funnel relief items and financial aid to victims of the Joplin tornado.
Ashton Meyer, Fulton Jaycees vice president, said the coalition will coordinate its efforts to make specific donations to match the needs of displaced people in Joplin.
The coalition is asking the public to donate: bottled water, work gloves, personal hygiene products, cleaning and medical supplies, and large storage containers.
Drop-off sites for people wanting to make donations are: Fulton Fire Department, Fulton Police Department, Callaway Community Hospital, Fulton Housing Authority, YMCA of Callaway County, Coldwell Banker, Central Electric Cooperative, or the Callaway Ambulance District office.
Meyer said Cake Creations is offering a 10 percent discount to anyone bringing donations to their business.
She said Midwest Tire & Auto has agreed to match any item donated at their location to Together for Joplin.
Meyer said secure monetary donations can be made at any United Credit Union office.
"Simply mention that you want to make a donation to the Together for Joplin relief effort and money will be deposited into a secure account," Meyer said.