I wanted to write this story for today’s Dose of Goodness because I have never been prouder or happier to call a place home. The West Plains Community is extraordinary in every way, and here’s why.
Some places are just where you live. But some places—some extraordinary places—become home because of the people in them. West Plains is that kind of place.
This community is not just a town on a map. It is a family, a group of people who, when faced with heartbreak and loss, rise up together—stronger than ever.
Friday night tested us.
Tornadoes, violent storms, and unforgiving winds tore through our homes, our businesses, and our sense of security. Some lost power. Some lost possessions. Some lost everything. And yet, what followed in the hours and days after was something more powerful than any storm—it was the unshakable kindness of a community that refuses to let anyone stand alone.
People didn’t hesitate. They didn’t wait for a call to action. They just helped. They showed up. They loved their neighbors—without question, without hesitation, without expecting anything in return. The examples of compassion and selflessness are countless, and while I wish I could highlight every single one, here are just a few stories that showcase the heart of our community.
Businesses Stepping Up
- The Tribal Cajun food truck served meals in Bakersfield and West Plains, providing free food to those in need. They also offered chargers for devices so people could stay connected.
- Bootleggers BBQ cooked over 400 meals each day for multiple days, offering food to those impacted by the storm.
- Pizza Shack donated pizzas, which Give Local First delivered to affected residents.
- Spring Dipper donated hundreds of ice cream cups to relief centers, giving people a small taste of comfort during difficult times.
- Craft Cafe provided free coffee and tea to volunteers and those without power or shelter.
- Convoy of Hope, stationed at Endurance Church, distributed supplies and first aid, sending in semi-trucks full of relief goods.
- Howell-Oregon Electric employees worked around the clock, day and night, to restore power to affected homes. A huge thank you to the linemen who have gone without rest to bring back electricity!
Individuals Making a Difference
It wasn’t just businesses that answered the call—countless individuals dedicated their time, resources, and energy to help those in need. (If you would like your name taken out of this, please message us, and we will do so, I don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable with it being mentioned in this story if they don’t want to be. Thank you!)
- Emelia Davis opened her home to people offering parking for RVs and offering electricity, charging stations, and showers to those in need.
- Angel Campo traveled to Bakersfield, serving hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, chips, and flavored waters to those affected. She also donated toiletries, jackets for children, men’s work pants, shoes, and more.
- Tanai Devine offered her home as a warm shelter, providing hot meals, showers, rest, and charging stations.
- Jakop Hathcock made sure anyone without power or a home could get a meal for free at Taco Bell in West Plains.
- Gabe Barela stationed himself at Dairy Queen, providing chargers, wireless internet, heat, and air conditioning in his Matco truck. He also donated lights to the Howell County Sheriff’s Office and even set up a Nintendo Switch for kids, giving them a moment of joy in a time of distress.
- Christopher Ellis visited Bakersfield and helped repair homes, move trees from the road way, and clean up debris throughout the small town, helping residents find their town again.
Helping Our Four-Legged Friends
- Barks N Bubbles and Ozarks Pet Rescue worked tirelessly to help displaced animals, assist in finding missing pets, and arrange boarding for those who lost their homes.
- When Ozarks Pet Rescue put out a call for help, 30 volunteers showed up to assist a woman who had lost everything.
A Community Like No Other
It’s easy to talk about kindness. It’s another thing entirely to live it—to be it.
Living in West Plains is an absolute blessing. This community is one of generosity, resilience, and unity—people helping people, neighbors lifting up neighbors, strangers becoming family.
So to everyone who gave their time, money, and effort to help others—thank you. Your kindness does not go unnoticed. The impact of your generosity will be felt for a long time, and for that, we are all deeply grateful.
West Plains, you are truly amazing.
Now, this in no way is everyone who stepped up to help. If I could have highlighted them all, I would have, Please don’t think I overlooked you in this story!
