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Hi Everyone,

This email is much overdue and I am sorry that it is so late.  My life has been rather chaotic these
past four months, so I apologize for not giving a timely update.

I would like to personally thank each and every one of you who answered my call for aid to the 
celiac community in the Joplin area after their devastating tornado several months ago.  It was
truly amazing to see how many folks across our country pitched in and sent GF items to help
their fellow celiacs.  

Many individuals, groups and vendors provided items at a time when there was so much need and
we truly appreciate each and every one of you.

May God bless you for your kindness and generosity. 

Barbara Hicks
Tri Lakes Celiac Support Group
Kimberling City, Missouri



Below is the last entry from the blog, Gluten Free Joplin, that was written by the group leader there.  

GLUTEN FREE JOPLIN
Posted: 09 Nov 2011 05:48 PM PST
To any friends of glutenfreejoplin who might be still checking with this blog I want to send a note to let you know what has been happening with our group here in Joplin. 
Our city is still definitely feeling the effects of the tornado but things have improved a great deal. We are in a rebuilding phase but there is so very much to do. None of us really know what the city will look like and it is still very confusing when you go into town as there are still no street signs in the affected area. And the power is still a huge issue in the path of the tornado and they say it is very dark in there at night. I have been struggling with my health a lot lately and so don't get out much in the evenings.
We have given out a lot of gluten free food to Celiacs and gluten intolerant people in our group and in our community on behalf of the lovely, caring and generous Celiac community around the country. I have just been amazed at how many parts of the country individuals and groups and vendors have sent food for those in need after the tornado. 
Most of the people we have helped are in some kind of home now and we even have one member and her family who got one of the Extreem Home-makeover homes that was built here....very exciting! Kari, Her husband and their 4 children lost their home, cars and possessions in the tornado. So it is wonderful to see them in a home now. They are very nice people.
I don't know the stories of the people who got food from the gluten free shelves at Mission Joplin but the volunteers that work there have told me there have been families that needed the gluten free food and were very grateful for the foods provided. We have now discontinued supplying gf food at Mission Joplin as we have not had any food coming in for almost two months. 
We have had gift cards to a local natural foods store to give and when they are gone that will be the end of this effort.
I am grateful to be able to help you get gf food to those in need. I ask that you continue to pray for our community as we put our city back together.
God Bless you all. 
Rita Greenstreet

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