Last week we received an update from Candace Shively, Children’s Division Director, who told us that more than 15 foster family homes have been destroyed in the tornado last month. Those foster families were caring for 25 children. In addition, one adoptive parent was killed.

As a community, we are asking for your help. We need you to spread the word that MFCAA is accepting donations of gift cards (in any amount) for gas, Target, Walmart and fast food. These donations will be provided to Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board member from the South Region, Melinda Nicholson, who has been on the ground in Joplin since the storm. She is working directly with Jean Rodriguez, the Children’s Division Circuit Manager in the Joplin office, to provide support to the effected families and children.

Additionally, we are seeking help with a special request. There are two girls who have been left orphaned as a result of their adoptive mother’s death in the storm. The family was passing through Joplin in a car on their way to church when the tornado hit them. One of the girls remains hospitalized at Children’s Mercy here in Kansas City.

The Children’s Division has identified some kin who are willing to step up and serve as guardians for the injured girl and her sister. However, this kinship family is facing substantial loss, both personal loss (five funerals in the last week), and financial loss (one vehicle was totaled and not replaced by insurance at an adequate level and another needs repair). In addition, they are expending substantial resources traveling back and forth to the KC area to visit with the girl at CMH, and will now have to do some home remodeling to accommodate raising two girls that they had not anticipated having.

This family needs specific help. They need Kansas City area folks who can help them by visiting them and the injured child at the hospital, they need a car or van, they need help with gas and food. They need whatever kind of welcoming and support Kansas City’s foster and adoptive families can provide for them.

If you can help, email me directly at Lori@mfcaa.org so that I can connect you with the information you need. If you can provide gift cards or send in a donation, please send or drop off to MFCAA, 3210 S. Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, MO. 64055. You can also donate cash on our website, noting that the donation is for Joplin foster/adopt families on the form: www.mfcaa.org . Also, if you happen to be a social networking person, please consider posting this need on your facebook or my space page. We’d like to reach as many kind Kansas Citians as we can.