A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Incredible Community
This is a continuation of Tuesday’s Dose of Goodness because there is simply too much kindness and generosity happening in our community to fit into just one post. The past few days have been filled with moments that remind us why we’re proud to call this place home.
Since the tornado hit on Friday night, I’ve witnessed countless acts of compassion and generosity — and I want to take a moment to highlight some of the wonderful people and businesses who stepped up to help neighbors near and far.
The West Plains Zizzer Baseball team turned their baseball games into a fundraising event. They successfully raised $1,350 for the Bakersfield Baseball/Softball program. Bakersfield had lost its fields due to the destruction of the facilities during Friday’s tornado.
The Glass Sword Theater hosted a free movie night on Wednesday, with every dollar donated going to tornado relief efforts. Guests could watch any currently showing movie at no cost and instead were encouraged to donate, with 100% of proceeds going to the Howell County Health Department. Not only that but both Glass Sword Theater and West Plains Auto World pledged to match all funds raised — turning one night at the movies into something so much bigger. They ended up raising over $4,700 for the Howell County Health Department.
Mission First Medical Walk-In Clinic stepped in to support our first responders, writing a check to the Fire Department to purchase a large chainsaw so they could safely and efficiently clear fallen trees from homes and roadways. They also partnered with Sugar Lily to send cookies to the firefighters as a sweet thank-you for their tireless efforts.
Sugar Lily didn’t stop there. The owners purchased pasta and other food to feed hundreds in need, and also provided food and cookies to the hardworking teams in Glenwood as they tackled clean-up efforts.
Bootleggers BBQ cooked over 200 hot meals for the Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative crews, who worked around the clock to restore power for all of us.
Andrew Eckman Shelter Insurance is helping Bakersfield rebuild. He’s organizing a fundraiser to restore Bakersfield Pride Park, so kids can play their spring baseball and softball seasons at home in 2025. He’s selling T-shirts, with 100% of proceeds going directly to rebuilding efforts. Orders will be taken through Sunday, March 30th, at 9 p.m. [Click here to order a shirt.]
And sometimes, heroes work quietly behind the scenes. Jena Jones helped hundreds by creating a spreadsheet listing where people could find supplies, assistance, and resources in the aftermath of the storm. [Click here to view the spreadsheet.]
Marissa Carrick is holding a donation-based photoshoot at Galloway Park on March 30, with all proceeds going to help people who lost everything in the Bakersfield tornado. The event will go from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
To everyone who stepped up — from big gestures to small kindnesses — thank you. You’ve shown what it means to be a true community, and I am so incredibly grateful to be part of it.
If you know of other individuals or businesses who deserve a shout-out, please message us so we can add them, or comment on the corresponding Facebook post.
West Plains, you are amazing. Thank you for showing up for each other when it matters most.
