Connexions Church in Dexter Plans Relief Effort for Tornado Victims

Though it may be only 3 years old, parishioners at in Dexter are certainly leaving a large footprint in the community.

The church has been conducting food and clothing drives yearly to assist local, state, national and world communities facing economic hardship.

Recently, the church announced a food drive to support the residents of Joplin, MO, who were devastated by a tornado that tore through the community in May, killing 89 residents.

“We’re always looking for ways to help people in Dexter, the country and across the world,” event coordinator Brian Clapham said. “This is an event people know through its coverage on the national news. Obviously, the people of Joplin are in desperation, and we wanted to provide an opportunity for folks in Dexter to help out in a small way.”

The church will park a trailer to collect donations from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 30 at and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 31 at . The Dexter community is invited to drop off items that are still needed by the people of Joplin, including: nonperishable food, paper products, bedding, cleaning products, diapers and baby formula.

“Our sister church put us in touch with the relief effort, and we know that there is still a need for help,” Clapham said. “We’re trying to make it as easy as we can for folks to help us out. Even if your donation doesn’t seem big, with enough people joining forces, we can help a lot of people.”

Helping people is something the church prides itself in.

In January, the church held a fundraiser to benefit the nonprofit group World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children and families affected by famine, civil war and disease. The fundraiser brought in $3,500, which World Vision quadrupled through various partnerships for a total contribution of $14,000 that will be used in the African nations of Sierra Leone or Mozambique.

The church also holds clothing and food drives twice a year, in the fall and spring, for Chelsea’s Faith in Action food pantry and packages shoebox gifts for children at Samaritan’s Purse during November.

“By working together, we can show our neighbors the power of compassion,” Clapham said.

For more information about the upcoming Joplin relief effort, call 734-645-9052.