Has the news of the heartbreaking aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton left you wondering what you can do to help? As stated in a recent KY3 On Your Side report, it can be difficult to know the best ways to get aid to those who need it, but one Branson area resident is currently coordinating an opportunity for Branson and surrounding communities to contribute through reliable groups with “boots on the ground” in the hardest-hit areas.
Mona Miller, known around the area for her work coordinating the Convoy of Honor in connection with Veterans’ Homecoming Week and coordinating meals for first responders who have Thanksgiving duty, is putting together the response effort. She is working with trucking company owner Vince Siblin, who is providing vehicles and drivers, and with Chaplain Y.G. Nyghtstorm, who currently serves with the chaplain organization On Your Six. Steve Spurgeon, the songwriter/musician who performed in Branson during the 2023 Convoy of Honor Hootenanny, is also involved.
On Wednesday, October 9, Miller hosted local media and volunteers for an online meeting with Siblin and Nyghtstorm. On that call, Nyghtstorm stated that the most desperate needs are for diapers, wipes, emergency kits (such as would be taken on a camping trip), hygiene items and new clothing items of all sizes. Displaced families can also use tents, blankets, household goods, flashlights, clean five-gallon buckets and lots of shelf-stable food.
Miller said she hopes that in addition to individuals, perhaps some of the area’s many thrift stores can contribute household things from their inventory. Underfoot Flooring of Branson has offered temporary warehouse space at 165 Warehouse Rd. in Branson for storage of donations until the trucking team can pick them up each trip; items can be dropped off during their business hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Watch for local news updates or connect with Miller via Facebook (millerm573@facebook.com) or at 417-239-4320 for more details or with questions.
Another good way to give is by visiting the DonorBox site for On Your Six at https://donorbox.org/oy6-relief, where you can donate to help provide fuel for the trucks currently hauling supplies and which will be hauling the Branson donations.
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