Area leaders will gather to commemorate individuals, nonprofits and first responders who served affected communities during the current pandemic and following last year's tornado in Cole and Miller counties.
On May 22, a year after an EF-3 tornado devastated communities from Eldon to Jefferson City, about 20 vehicles representing health and human services agencies, law enforcement and faith-based groups immersed in disaster recovery, and the COVID-19 relief efforts will travel from the United Way of Central Missouri to multiple points in Jefferson City.
The procession will pass organizations and businesses that have played roles in response, recovery and rebuilding. It will also pass tornado-affected areas.
The "Restoring Hope Care-A-Van" is intended to be an opportunity to show gratitude for the caring community and celebrate how far it has come, according to a news release from the United Way of Central Missouri.
It is also intended to help the community stay strong as the COVID-19 journey continues.
"Community members and businesses are encouraged to make posters to display on their lawns and in their windows the day of the tornado anniversary - May 22," the release states. "Posters can include words of hope, encouragement and gratitude, and may use the #RestoringHope hashtag."
This is not a parade. People are welcome to watch and wave. However, to maintain social distancing, they are asked not to gather in groups to watch the procession.
Photos and video of the procession will be available on the United Way of Central Missouri's Facebook page.
The Care-A-Van will conclude at 415 E. Ashley St. in Jefferson City, one of four new houses River City Habitat for Humanity is to build as part of its Road to Recovery effort. Following the Care-A-Van, there will be a ceremonial raising of a wall at the address, broadcast on Facebook Live.
"Our goal for this Care-A-Van is to help our community stay strong and be the face of hope as we continue to support disaster survivors and continue on this COVID journey," United Way President Ann Bax said. "And, of course, we want to thank you for the support and compassion shown by our community over the past year."
The Care-A-Van is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. May 22.
To see the route, visit jeffcitymogis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=432d7cfe55b1429daab563e85a20855e.