Group Organizing Service Trip To Help North Dakota Town Hit By Flood

JOPLIN, MO-- Cub Scout Jimmy Willerton didn't have to look far to see the devastation last years EF-5 tornado left in its path.  "I was like three houses down from the destruction.  So it really hit me that it could have destroyed my house."

But he says amongst the devastation, it was something like a simple wooden star, painted with messages of hope and recovery that he remembers.  Now he hopes that same message,  written by the people of Joplin, will help residents in the North Dakota town of Minot.  "They really don't think that this little star is going to help."  Willerton says.  "But by seeing them, they will realize that people from all over the world have painted them, and will be coming to help them."

Organizers with the Resource Development Center at M.S.S.U. are hoping to bring hundreds of people from the area to deliver the stars in person.  They'll rent busses to bring people to Minot.  Resource Development Organizer Rikki Smith says the trip with be a way to help another community recover.  "So on our part, it's kind of a recovery for us emotionally."  Smith explains.  "But also to be able to pass the message of hope to another community.  We hope that Minot will take it to another city with devastation next year.

The trip will cost $450, and will take place from September 5th through 9th.  The fee includes transportation, lodging, and food for the entire trip.

To learn more about the trip click on the link below:

http://www.mssu.edu/resource-center/projects-national-day-of-service.php