I know this is an art site.. But a lot of people here know me. I'm an artist, and have made a good amount of friends here on DeviantArt. I am also a citizen of Joplin, Missouri. I used to live here my whole life until I was 23 when I moved to Virginia with my girlfriend. Recently I moved back, and not even a month later this disaster strikes us. I used to not like Joplin very much, because it was where I grew up. I thought it was dull and boring. When this happened, and I saw how my community and the rest of the world rallied to get back on their feet.. I now feel PROUD to call myself a citizen of Joplin.

My family's home was hit, as well was the rest of our neighborhood. People we've known for a long time in this town are without homes, and my aunt's and cousin's houses have all been destroyed. The devastation in Joplin is unreal. I have pictures posted that I took on my facebook (facebook.com/sbutcher), shared from my brother Alex's facebook if anyone wants to see. Even if you've seen pictures or footage of the damage, nothing compares to seeing it in person. This sort of tragedy is terrible, because it's not done by the greedy and evil hands of other people. This is something that is truly not anything you can fight back or defend against. Many people lost all they had, some even their lives. The death count is going to get bigger and bigger as people are finding their loved ones, or finding people beneath the rubble.

Joplin NEEDS the help of everyone, just like Katrina did. We've raised a lot of money so far, but nothing near the amount to get a 50-60k population town back on its feet. They've compared the damage to that of Katrina and 9-11. Famous names such as Anderson Cooper, and Al Roker are here in Joplin covering the events that took place, and President Obama is flying in on Sunday to lend a hand. Places that are still standing our giving out free food, or free laundry services or anything that can help the denizens of this town. There are trucks coming by every day from the red cross giving out water and food to those rebuilding or cleaning up. But they need money for these supplies.

So please, anyone who can help. Even if it's just a dollar, we would all be so appreciative of your help! None of this goes to me, as I'm not affiliated with the red cross or united way. I am safe at my sister's house one town over, with the rest of my family. If you wish to donate, the information is as follows:

The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund is accepting funds for immediate recovery relief. To donate, call 1-800-733-2767 or mail donations to:

American Red Cross
2430 Myra Drive
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.

To make a donation for long-term recovery efforts, visit the United Way of Southeast Missouri's website (www.liveunited.org) and click on "give" designating to Joplin Tornado Relief.

To make a $10 donation for the tornado victims through the Heart of Missouri United Way, text JOPLIN to 864833 or visit www.uwheartmo.org and click on the link.