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Joplin Globe employees need your helpBy Adolfo Mendez (Inland Press)About 26 employees of the Joplin Globe, an Inland member newspaper, have been severely impacted by the May 22 tornado—the deadliest single tornado in 60 years, according to federal records.
“I heard today 18 of them lost their homes completely and possibly another eight had their homes heavily damaged,” said Doug Crews, executive director of the Missouri Press Association. “It’s just amazing the work that they’re doing down there immediately from the time the tornado hit and how the staff reacted.” The MPA has established a disaster fund within the Missouri Press Foundation. Inland is encouraging members to donate. Donations can be made in the amounts of $25, $65 and $100 or more. The Globe Publisher Michael Beatty was quoted by the paper as saying employees began reporting for work minutes after the tornado hit, redoing Monday mornings edition and making it to the press just one hour late. “It was amazing,” Beatty said in the story. “These people came in who had lost their homes completely. But they were just dedicated to their jobs, to getting the story out.” Crews said the MPA has been in regular contact with the paper, which is about a four-hour drive away, he said. “I heard they have 91 newspaper carriers, and I think 81 of the 91 showed up to get that first newspaper out after the tornado,” Crews said. “That really goes to show you the dedication of the newspaper staff down there.” So far, about $1,200 has been collected from individuals in 10 states, Crews said. The Missouri Press Foundation’s board of directors will oversee 100 percent of the distribution of the funds, he said. “Anything we can do to help, that’s what we’re trying to do.” Donate Here: $25 donation $65 donation $100 donation Or mail a check to: Missouri Press Foundation 802 Locust St. Columbia, MO 65201
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