Good morning! Just wanted to touch base with those of you who have electricity. We are doing well at the house. The kids are busy and in good spirits. Therapy dogs are coming over today (May 25, 2011) to work with them and volunteers and donations have been pouring in. We are getting calls from many far away states with people wanting to know how they can help.

If people ask you what we are in need of we are requesting gift cards to Walmart for individual needs of kids and families and things we are going thru quickly but cannot store due to space limitations like milk and diapers. We are still needing PJs, socks and underwear for girls and boys infants thru adult sizes for our teens. However we do not have the space or staffing necessary for other clothing donations. Easy to prepare snacks and meals and paper products are helpful and anyone wanting to volunteer will be utilized to prepare a lunch or dinner meal.

With the tornado warnings last night, Amy and I spent the night with the kids to provide additional care, safety and comfort. While this is on a whole different level, the kids that we are helping today are no different that the kids who received our nurturing care a week ago. They are victims of heightened family stress due to a situation that is beyond their control. I sincerely hope the rest of Joplin is as resilient as the kids have been.

Stay safe and take care of each other.

Comments by Stephanie Stephanie Theis, MSW, LCSW, executive director, Children's Haven of Southwest Missouri,Inc.

Children's Haven is located at 701 South Picher Ave., Joplin, Missouri 64801. They also may be reached by sending an e-mail here or by phone at (417) 782-4453.

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