Lathrop, Missouri: A Community Unites to Help Hurricane Victims
Lathrop, Missouri, a small town in the heart of the Midwest, is stepping up in a big way to help Floridians affected by the recent hurricanes. As if the devastation from Hurricane Helene wasn’t enough, residents are now bracing for Hurricane Milton, which is making recovery efforts even tougher for those on the East Coast. With the situation more dire than ever, community leaders, local businesses, and residents are banding together to provide much-needed support to those in crisis.
Local Heroics in Action
In Lathrop, one individual who has taken it upon herself to help is Heather Menteer, the owner of Oak Street Tattoo. Menteer is rallying her community to donate essential supplies such as clothing, canned food, and even toys. In less than a week, her tattoo shop has transformed into a donation hub, filling up with items to be sent to Crossroads Community Church in Newport, Tennessee.
“These things are actually saving lives, you guys,” Menteer passionately stated, showing just how vital local efforts can be during these challenging times. With hurricanes leaving destruction in their wake, she emphasized that the need for tools and construction gear is particularly urgent. “They need chainsaws, chainsaw chains, and tools extremely bad. We have to start right now with getting to people and getting trees off the roads,” she explained, urging her community to come together for the cause.
The Power of Collaboration
The spirit of giving isn’t confined to Lathrop alone. Nearby, at the Church of the Four Corners in Independence, Pastor Jeremy Luce is also mobilizing efforts to gather donations. Partnering with United in Crisis KC, Luce highlights that the greatest current need is for basic toiletry items. “Think of anything you might have in your medicine cabinet—toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant,” he advised, recognizing that even small items can make a world of difference for those who have lost everything.
For residents wishing to contribute, donations can be made at the Church of the Four Corners on Thursdays, Sundays, and the following Tuesday. The church is located at 14300 US-40, Independence, Missouri 64136.
Building Community Through Compassion
It’s heartwarming to see how neighborhoods come together, even from hundreds of miles away. “Helping others unites people, and the more people that we can get to help, the stronger our community becomes,” Pastor Luce remarked. His words resonate deeply, reminding everyone how important it is to extend a helping hand during times of need.
With grassroots organizations leading these efforts, Heather Menteer voiced her appreciation for their crucial role in disaster response. “Without this, there would be many more lives lost,” she noted, emphasizing that actions taken at the community level often yield the most significant impact.
How to Help
The clock is ticking, and communities like Lathrop are poised to make sure their contributions reach those in need. The items gathered at Oak Street Tattoo will be shipped out on October 22, and donations collected by the Kansas City Fire Department will be sent after October 14.
For those looking to pitch in, donations can also be sent directly via mail to P.O Box 1856, Newport, TN 37822. There’s even a way to give online if that is more convenient for you. No effort is too small, as every little bit helps those trying to rebuild their lives after another catastrophic event.
As the community of Lathrop rallies for this noble cause, one thing is clear: endeavors like these illuminate the strength and compassion found within ordinary folks. In times of crisis, we discover just how far kindness can travel.
