Update on Joplin

Just wanted to update you on some of the events taking place in Joplin, Missouri. As you know we were able to send these schools a pretty significant amount of student supplies early in the school year.

Around 50% of the 7500 homes damaged, or totally destroyed in the May 22nd tornadoes, are currently being repaired or rebuilt. This past weekend the Habitat for Humanity organization finished up the 'Ten for Joplin' program. So some good progress can be reported on that front.

Speaking of rebuilding, there are six Joplin schools that are totally destroyed and still sitting in that condition. Bids have been accepted to start the demolition of the building. It is suppose to take a mere 60 days to complete the project once it commences on each school.

By 2014 six new schools should be built and ready to house the students.

Within the past couple of days Barry Manilow made good on a promise to help the music programs of the schools. He donated $300,000 worth of instruments to the Joplin School District. Quite a remarkable act!

The nearly 7,000 students who are back in school are doing about as well as possible though no one can really determine the extent to which such psychological issues as trauma, sadness, and depression exists. It's not merely a matter of losing a school or home. Remember, six students and one teacher lost their lives in the tornadoes. Beyond that tragedy, the students have plenty of friends and neighbors who suffered greatly at the hand of Mother Nature.

By the way, Schools Count Corp will return to Joplin to assist students and teachers in 2012.

Thanks,
Dick