Photo Credit: AP/Mark Schiefelbein

Joplin, Missouri is right in my backyard. I’ve driven through Joplin probably over 100 times on my way to St. Louis, Chicago, or places beyond. It’s where Interstate 540 (the main highway through Northwest Arkansas) and Interstate 44 meet. I’ve also visited Joplin itself as a destination many times, whether for my little brother’s soccer tournament or to gamble at one of the Indian casinos.

People who live in the Ozarks act more like they live in their own little state, and it tends not to matter whether you’re from Arkansas or Missouri – as long as you’re from the hills. You can watch Winter’s Bone to see how porous the Arkansas-Missouri state line, and the level of poverty that many people already live in. This tornado is going to have a severe effect on the local economy, therefore it’s critical that we help Joplin as much as we can.

Over 114 people have been found dead and the number is expected to rise. This could have just as easily been my hometown (and family) hit by the tornado. I am planning to give blood for the second time ever tomorrow, and I hope many of you will join me.

Here are ways you can help the people of Joplin recover from this severe natural disaster even if you live in Chicago:

1. DONATE BLOOD: Click here schedule an appointment to give blood with the American Red Cross or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. This is the most important thing you can do. My mom, who went to Joplin last night as a NWArkansas first responder, said they’re already out of O- blood (universal donor). So if you’re O- and live in Chicago, PLEASE donate blood tomorrow. All other blood types should donate as soon as possible, but O- blood is super critical. Click here for eligibility requirements.

IMPORTANT: Chicago is a part of the Heart of America chapter of the American Red Cross Blood Division, which includes Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. It is highly likely your blood will be sent to Joplin (especially if you’re O-).

Tuesday, May 24, between 9 am and 2pm, CB Richard Ellis is hosting a blood drive at 100 North Riverside Plaza, Suite 1640, Chicago, IL. Almost all the slots are taken up, but click here to schedule a time during this drive.

For the complete list of Red Cross blood drives in the Chicago area, click here.

2. DONATE MONEY: Click here to donate money specifically to the Ozarks Red Cross, which serves Joplin, MO.

For more information on ways to help, please visit the Ozarks Red Cross Facebook page here.

Donating blood and donating money are the two best way to help survivors of a natural disaster. Coordinating supply donations, like blankets, food, and clothing, is very difficult to organize and takes precious time resources away from the recovery effort.

I know firsthand from people on the ground that Joplin is in DESPERATE need of blood. Since Chicago is reasonably close to Joplin, and our blood division is the same, it’s CRITICAL that as many people donate blood as possible. Please, please pass this information along to your friends, family, and co-workers.

Bill Cunningham at NYFW, February 2011