New to the club...

Well, Im new to the Club. My name is Niki... and it was a pleassure to meet some of you last wkend at the Bartlesville Show. As some know, I didnt do half bad (placed Top 25, my 1st show w/you!), considering I was not pleased w/my car! Guess judges dont see what I see!
Im coming to the forum now with not so happy news... My 18 yr old daughter & 3 month old grandson were in the Joplin tornado last night. I received a text from Briley (my daughter) at 5:37pm stating "Our sirens are going off". I replied, but got no response. Within an hour, I am receiving the devastating news that Joplin got a "direct hit", not only that, but it was indeed the area of town where my daughter lives. By 6:43pm Im receiving texts from friends in that area that are "trying to get to Briley & the baby." At 6:52pm texts that friends "are parked over 9 blocks from Briley's apt due to debris, they are on foot trying to get to her." At 7:07pm, I receive this text "There's nothing left here Niki. Its destroyed. I cant find them." I had already hit the Interstate prior & headed that way... However, they were not allowing us past Miami. We were forced to exit there. At 7:21pm, I get a text, "I cant find her Niki. Hurry up n get here." I also received calls with details of the condition of the area and that her apartment had been absolutely leveled, and yes, her car was in the parking lot... I just knew they (her & baby) were there. I went well over 3 hrs before I received a call from my daughter's boyfriend's cell... I answer & hear my daughter crying (it was like giving birth to her all over again). She & baby Landon are dirty, scratched, & bruised... but alive. They barely made it down the stairs (their apt was on the 2nd floor) and under the stair-case when everything around them was gone...
Although we feel so fortunate, we are lost, as well. I had just gotten them established in Joplin in January & I moved here due to going through a divorce. I tried to give her half of everything I owned before I left Joplin, then I moved here to start over myself (bringing my other 2 children, Shay (son) age 11 & Jadyn (daughter) age 9)... So, now... we are starting over, starting over?! I dont know..
Gosh, are we a mess or what?!
Ok, just wanted to ask, if anyone has necessity type stuff that you do not need or wouldnt care to give away, please think of Briley (my daughter), Austin (her boyfriend) & Landon (their 3 month old son)... Plenty of people keep saying "if they need anything, let us know"... But, I hardly know where to start. We have never been faced with anything like this... I keep saying "If you walked out your front door right now, with only the clothes on your body, never to see the rest of your things ever again... Thats what they are going through."
I can be added on FB - Niki Dighero Phillips... pics of their apartment are on there, the baby things you see scattered in the front of the apartment, belong to my grandson.
I want to thank all in advance for thinking of us during this difficult time.. Thanks, NIKI

We got boy clothes, 18-24 month clothes, they are yours even though they are too big now. We got a stroller that's used but works, got playpen bed for baby.

Hey Niki, I am so glad they are fine. That is the main thing of course right?!

Our members came though before in bad times before and I'm sure they will do the same again. We have a great group here!

Let's start with the basics. Can you tell us their sizes? If you don't know just an estimate is fine.

Cool. Let's also get some toys for the kiddo! I know were good at that!

Glad to hear everyone is safe. I'll do what I can to help.

I have two people lined up with Baby toys and Baby clothes, what sizes do you need.

I probably have some household items I can donate. I know I have an extra set of utensils, a new crockpot and a george foreman grill.

i'll start pulling some cloths from my closet. im sure i have things i can give up. well do whatever we have to, to help

thanks god they are ok. What size is Austin? shirts/pants/shoes?

Anyone want to do a Wally world run this week or weekend? Then we can cruise out and drop off the items? Let's work on a drop site and area. I can be the drop for anyone in the Owasso area or up north side.

Wow, horrible to even think what you were going through! I didnt get to meet you last week due to a cracked wheel, but i am sure i will in the future.

Let us know sizes, the wife and i just dumped our closets and have 3 bags of stuff we were going to donate anyway.

Sizes are as follows:

Mens size 33 or 34x30, and lg shirts size 11 shoes

Womens size 5-7 shorts or jeans and medium shirts not sure on shoes yet

Baby clothes from 3-6 months

Anything you can think of like basic essentials such as makeup for girls shaving stuff hair dryers curling irons razors and the like. Maybe some suitcases to put things in or storage totes. Things to make you feel human again.

Hey Niki welcome. Sorry to hear about your daughter and grandson. Have already donated $$$ and will try to help anyway in can.

We have an extra flat iron i will toss in the box. We are too fat on the clothing side...

I have a pack n play, toys, baby boy clothes, diapers...I can get together some mens clothing out of Jeff's stuff.

I had a ton more but sold it in garage sale Saturday...go figure!

Niki,

Be sure you get in touch with the red cross and salvation army. The salvation army will be able ot provide vouchers for clothing and such.

Also, might want to get with WIC. They should be able to help with milk, jucie and baby formula for the baby. Dont know if you have thought of it or not but thought I would throw the ideas out there.

I havent been on here since my first post... Sry I left questions unanswered. Just taking one day at a time. I contacted Red Cross in Claremore Monday... They called me back & informed me, "Since Briley lived in Joplin, she would have to go back to that area for assistance." Im like, "Really?? Are you crazy?! Joplin, at that point, was getting hit with their 2nd storm... we weren't about to go back there!" It wasnt worth the assistance. Plus, my daughter lost EVERYTHING... but, it was "just stuff!" There are so many families looking for more than "just stuff", like their loved-ones/family members. We felt it best to let the individuals stuck in Joplin, with no family or no where to go, benefit from the assistance there. We werent going back to take from others.
I want to say THANK U to all for thinking of us during this difficult time. Thank u for the generous donations, you will never know what it means to us. I am so very grateful & proud to be part of this Club... ~NIKI

I don't really have anything to give but if she or her boyfriend is looking for a job the place I work is hiring right now I believe. Gusano's Pizza @ NE corner of 101st n Mingo. Will be praying for them and all others in Joplin!