JOPLIN, Mo. —
Like a giant communal hug, crayon drawings, messages of inspiration and donations have poured into Joplin from people throughout the world.
“It brings a tear of joy to your eye,” City Clerk Barbara Hogelin said of the letters and cards that have been sent to Joplin’s City Hall as a result of the May 22 tornado that tore the central section of the city asunder.
She has assembled those messages into books for local residents to browse.
“If you want to see what the world is saying about our city, come to City Hall,” she said.
Hogelin said she got the idea to put the items on display because she knows that many people are grieving the losses they suffered from the storm.
The well-wishers include a group from Canada that assembled a scrapbook of handmade messages of inspiration.
There’s a letter from Noel Hartwell, of Australia, who wrote that his country has sustained its share of tragedies and he understands how that feels. He encourages residents to stay strong in keeping with the reputation of U.S. citizens among the other countries of the world.
There also are many messages from children, including a number who raised money the old-fashioned way, by operating lemonade stands to benefit tornado-ravaged residents.
Patty Ann Kelley, of Mattoon, Ill., raised a whopping $120.
Adeline Kraus, 8, of Columbia, sent along the $12.57 she took in from beverage sales along with a note of encouragement.
Christopher Bryant, of Oakton, Va., sent a letter and a contribution from his 8-year-old son, Henry.
“I know the devastation is tragic but many people are working together to help. Like me, I sent $10 to Joplin. Bless all of you in need,” the boy wrote.
Hogelin said the messages have been heartwarming. That’s why she wants other Joplin residents to read them. She asked City Manager Mark Rohr for permission to set up the display. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays beginning Tuesday on the main floor of City Hall, 602 S. Main St., in the room where the Titanic exhibit is currently on display.
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Joplin City Clerk Barbara Hogelin has filled several scrapbooks with cards and letters of support sent to Joplin from around the world. GLOBE | ROGER NOMER
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Messages of hope, support from around the world go on display at City Hall
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