The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking monetary contributions to aid students in the Joplin public schools who continue to be severely affected by the tornado disaster. According to Kim Vann, communications director, the R-8 school district has a total enrollment of about 8,000 students with nearly half of them from the affected area.

Vann says that with money raised through the "Kids for Kids--Missouri Kids Helping Missouri Kids" fundraising campaign, school officials will be able to facilitate the appropriate use of funds for students' needs. This might include clothing, shoes, blankets, pillows and other personal items.

To donate directly to the local school system, make checks payable to the Joplin Schools Tornado Relief Fund and mail them to the attention of Kim Vann, Joplin Public Schools, North Middle School, 102 N. Gray Ave., Joplin, MO 64801.

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