Jodi Debbrecht, Waterford’s 51st District Court Judge, is organizing a donation drive to help the city of Joplin, Missouri.
On an Oakland County website "Judge Jodi Helps Joplin" Debbrecht writes about her personal connection to the Joplin area:
Like many in southeast Michigan, I was overcome with emotion when I saw the television images of the devastation from the tornado that touched down in Joplin, Missouri. For me, Joplin’s violent weather literally struck close to home. I grew up in Missouri, and would frequently vacation with my family in the Joplin area and many of my relatives still live in Missouri.
Main Street Oakland County’s Manager, Bob Donohue, is helping organize the donation effort. Donohue has been in touch with the Mayor of Joplin, Mike Woolston, who provided a list of things needed. The list includes everything from wheelbarrows, to pet food, to power tools.
They'll collect the items at 11 drop off centers around Oakland County.
Absent these items, Mayor Woolston said money would be the biggest help:
"We’re benefiting from tremendous generosity from people all over the country, but if people can give cash, that’s the best way to help us right now."
The Missouri Department of Public Safety has set up a website directing people to where they can donate.
And if you want to volunteer in the Joplin area, you can find more information from the United Way.
