Updated: How to Help Joplin Tornado Victims

Joshua Lewis, pastor of, is planning to go to Joplin on Friday with donations for residents and an offer of help. 

Lewis said he and a few other people from the area plan to stay several days providing moral and spiritual support, helping to remove debris and anything else they are asked. 

Lewis is collecting donations between now and Thursday to bring with him and deliver to a to a Joplin service agency.

Needed items include: bedding, cots, portable toilets, clothing, shoes, undergarments, water, food, diapers, baby wipes, personal care and hygiene items and tarps to send to Joplin with Lewis.

Donations can be dropped off at the office between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Another donation site is

Updated: St. Charles Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to help load trucks with all of the donated items at 9 a.m. or 7 p.m. Thursday. Email Wendy Rackovan with the Chamber of Commerce if you are able to help at wendy@stcharleschamber.org.

Other ways to help

• The American Red Cross is planning to host a blood drive at on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. All donors will receive a free movie pass. To make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the code stc18cine. 
• People with medical skills who are interested in volunteering can go to https://www.showmeresponse.org/.
• Those hoping to make a donation to benefit the relief effort can go to http://www.sema.dps.mo.gov/recover/donations.asp.