From the FanPosts -Joel

I work in the newspaper industry and today I am very proud of that fact. 

When the tornado destroyed so much of Joplin, MO on May 22, 2011 I began to think how I could help from here in VA.  I meet with upper management and expressed my desire to help my fellow Chiefs fans (and any other person) in Joplin.  Everyone here knows my love for this team and were excited to contribute in the efforts to help bring some relief to an area that could (and still does) so badly need it. 

We knew our contribution would be minimal, so we decided to focus our contribution to our friends in the newspaper industry.

With the help of many co-workers, we were able to put on a book/bake sale to benefit the Missouri Press Joplin Globe Relief fund for employees at the Joplin Globe.  Today, I received a letter from the publisher and I haven't been able to completely dry my eyes since reading it.  I have shared the letter with the rest of my organization and I thought many of you would like to read it as well.

Dear Newspaper Family,
 
On behalf of all of those who were affected by the Tornado of 5-22, thanks to all who donated to the Missouri Press Joplin Globe Relief fund for our employees at the Joplin Globe. As you saw on our web site, CNN and the Weather Channel the devastation that we are facing is of no other in Joplin’s history.
 
Joplin has always been known for its resolve. The generous donations, prayers and support that you have given us will make it easier for our staff who were affected to get back up on their feet. Almost in every case the people you helped were in tears or fighting back tears as I handed them your generous gifts. Here is what some said.
 
“I am so grateful, I am not worthy of the generous blessings that God has given me”- (From someone with two kids and lost everything).
 
“I have not been here as long as so many others. I cannot believe the kindness from people who do not even know us”
 
“I cannot believe this. I just found out today that my insurance did not cover what I thought it would. This money is going to allow me to get started on rebuilding my home sooner.” (Single Mom with two kids)
 
“I really needed this, thanks” (Sobbing) (From a person who lost everything that had to dig his way out of the rubble around him)
 
This was bitter sweet to me as I was handing out the checks, as I felt so proud of all of you who do not know us, but were compelled to help. I wish the circumstance was such that I didn’t have to hand them the checks. But because of what you have all done, you have made 33 families much happier in knowing that they are better off financially than before and that they work for a caring organization.
 
Humbly,
 
Publisher

I promise you that I have not posted this to "pat myself on the back" but rather to show that good deeds are appreciated and that even the smallest of donations mean so much to those who are in need.  I could not be more proud of my organization and wanted to share with a community that would appreciate the story.

Thank you.