Free Scars from the Tornado by Randy Turner Page B

care.
Joplin has not only received donations of money, but also clothes, toys, and
many other things used in everyday life. Most importantly, Joplin has received
a gift that can never be lost. Love. Joplin has received loads and loads of
love, care, and kindness in the months that have passed since the disaster. But
yet again, this is not all that has made the large impact. Citizens of Joplin
of all ages and sizes came together as a community and did different tasks and
certain small things that made all the difference. Together, these incredible
people charged through the destruction and found buried beneath it, the true
meaning of Joplin; a city that stands united as one even in the worst of time.
    And that is
honestly one hundred percent true. Even in their time of desperate need and
sadness, Joplin stuck together and is continuing to do life-changing things for
the benefits of others. This act of pure samaritanism is displayed in operations of charity through schools and city organizations,
such as a program referred to as "Christmas 4 Kids" ran by the Joplin
East Middle School Student Council and Joplin Fire Department.
    "Christmas
4 Kids" is a program in which money is raised to buy toys for kids that
are less fortunate. The Joplin Fire Department distributes these toys to the
children, and the money is raised and used to buy toys by the East Middle
School Student Council. Mr. Rocky Biggers , the
student council sponsor, has been running this program ever since he first took
charge of the student council, which would have been about fifteen years ago.
Some past fundraisers for this event have been running concession stands for
different after school activities, organizing car washes, working with
corporate sponsors, and even just asking for donations for this charitable
deed.
    This year's
student council, however, had to change some of the plans intended for the
fundraising part of the cycle. Since East Middle School was demolished, or
somewhat damaged during the tornado, the students and faculty were moved to a
temporary building, former warehouse. The warehouse was designed to fit the
school's needs, but sporting events are not held at the temporary building,
meaning that concession stands are no longer available or needed. Much of the
past student council's money came from working the concession stands, but since
this was no longer a fundraising option, other ideas and projects had to be put
into action in order to make up the money usually raised by the stands.
Thankfully, a donation of nine hundred dollars was given to the student council
from a hair salon in Texas. This money, along with what was raised from a
student council sponsored dance and small fundraisers, helped buy tons of toys
for tons of kids.
    After all that
has been done for Joplin, the East Middle School Student Council felt that it
should give back to the community by continuing this heartfelt event. Since the
tragic tornado, everything was handed to them, and they wanted to return the
favor. One of Mr. Biggers ' favorite parts of the
event is watching the students shop for toys. He commented that they really
take it to heart and try to stretch the dollar as far as they can to satisfy
the many children counting on them for toys.
    The impact
made on these children is unknown for confidentiality reasons, but every year,
the East Middle School Student Council can expect a phone call from the Joplin
Fire Department asking them to continue this beneficial tradition. Not only
does it benefit the children, but it also benefits Joplin's community as a
whole; because, what is Joplin without its people?

 

 
    ACADEMIC
ALL-STARS HONORED
    East Middle
School Academic All-Stars were honored during November ceremonies at College
Heights Christian School.
    In the past,
the ceremonies have been held at Joplin High School, which was destroyed by the
May 22 tornado.
    Students who
received advanced or proficient scores during the MAP tests last spring