The PTG Home Office has received numerous calls from people asking about our members in Joplin, MO since a tornado ripped through the center of town destroying at least 35% of homes and businesses and killing nearly 120 people.
We have two members in the Joplin area, David Vanderhoofven and Paul Mulik. David not only lost his house but along with it, his wife and 1 year old son. I can't imagine the extreme pain that he must be feeling right now.
Paul's lost his house but he and his family are safe. However he not only has no home but no way to make a living right now either.
So, what can we do to help? David's wife worked in the regional office for the Eye Bank and they have created a
memorial fund for her and their son. Click the link below for details:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hleb.org%2Fdarian-and-joshua-vanderhoofven-
memorial-fund&h=159df
The Kansas City PTG Chapter is collecting tools to send to Paul. If you wish to contribute you should contact Wayne Yockey at wayneyockeyrpt@swbell.net.
I have been in touch with Jim Birch, President of the PTG Foundation. The Foundation set up a Disaster Fund several years ago following the Katrina Hurricane. He has directed me to find a way to send both David and Paul money through this fund. We hope that this will assist them in the short term until they can get their insurance and other benefits. Donations to this fund are always welcome. It allows us to address these emergencies when they happen.
We are aware that many disasters have happened across the country and around the world this past year. If you know anyone who is in immediate need as the result of a disaster, please send me an email at Barbara@ptg.org. I will see that it is passed on to the Foundation Board for consideration.