by Heartland Technology Solutions on December 2, 2011
HTS raises $13,800 in gift cards to donate to area residents affected by tornado
Joplin, MO - December 2, 2011 —With the help of IT Providers and computer dealers across the country, Heartland Technology Solutions has raised $13,800 in gift cards for Joplin residents. The Healing Joplin group will distribute the more than 500 gift cards on Saturday night, at Forest Park Baptist Church, to Joplin residents who are now living in the FEMA housing units.
Through a partnership with technology distributor Ingram Micro, HTS was able to hold a fundraiser at Ingram’s national dealer meeting this past October in Las Vegas. Computer Dealers from across the country were encouraged to bring a $25 gift cards to hang on the ‘Joplin Tree of Hope’. Donations included gift cards to Joplin area retail stores, monetary donations to be used to purchase gift cards, as well as significant donations by IT companies HP and Cisco.
Jane Cage, HTS COO and co-chair of the Joplin Citizens Advisory Recovery Team said, “I have been overwhelmed at the support from the IT community in response to Joplin’s great need. Our computer “friends” have been so generous. I am especially thankful to Cisco and HP for stepping up to the plate with their donations. To know we are able to help over 500 families with just a little of their holiday expenses is a privilege.”
Healing Joplin is a community collaboration led by Ozark Center, the behavioral health division of Freeman Health System, that offers emotional first aid for children, adults and senior citizens by providing links to appropriate services and community resources as well as individual crisis counseling.