WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today embarked from West Plains for the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast along with several West Plains residents and thousands of pounds of relief supplies.

 

“The people of Southern Missouri have been extraordinarily generous in donating food, water, clothing and other essential supplies.  People from Cabool, Summersville, Thayer, Brandsville and West Plains have all contributed to this effort.  The most urgent step is to now get those donations to the people who need them.  We are taking two tractor trailers full of supplies to Kenner, Louisiana and meeting the Kenner Chief of Police at the Red Cross Distribution Center there.  A third truck is nearly full and will depart later this week,” Emerson reported.

 

The operation from the West Plains area includes hospitals, Chambers of Commerce, businesses, schools, churches and private individuals.  Over 1000 donors and 300 volunteers have become involved from that area alone.

 

“Volunteers have gathered emergency supplies from every part of the Eighth District. Supply trucks from all over our region have carried aid to the Gulf Coast .  I deeply appreciate everyone who has assisted in these efforts for our neighbors to the south.  Our district has really come together to help out.”

 

“I am grateful for the service of the 1137th Military Police Battalion of the Missouri Army
National Guard, which is providing security.  An alert has been issued to some members of the 1140th who may be deployed to assist engineering efforts.  These soldiers are helping out in the areas which were worst-hit by the storm.

 

“In addition, the Bi-State Development Agency has sent buses to the affected area from St. Louis, and they picked up donations of clothes and supplies in Sikeston, MO, on their way.”

 

Across the Eighth Congressional District families have taken in refugees of the storm. 

“Efforts taking place in Missouri are just as important as those on the ground in the Gulf Coast.  I am grateful to families who have opened their hearts, their homes, and their pocketbooks to the relief effort.  The damage here is extensive and recovery will require all of our best efforts.”