Samaritan’s Purse, the organization behind Operation Christmas Child’s global shoebox gift collection, will bring Yuri Lopez to speak today in West Plains and Mtn. View.
Lopez, who benefited from Operation Christmas Child as a 6-year-old girl in an orphanage in Honduras, will speak at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Worship Center, 1807 K Highway in West Plains, and at 4 p.m. at Mtn. View Christian Church, 1505 Highway 17.
Lopez’s gift bore a message of hope that gave her encouragement years later on her path to America, organizers said. She now participates in sports ministry to share the gospel with children, and will speak on “how her shoebox gift became a lifeline to show her God’s everlasting love.
Disaster Recovery Centers will open starting Monday in Howell and Ozark counties to provide in-person assistance to residents affected by the presidentially declared disaster for March 14 and 15, which included severe weather, flooding and an E-F3 tornado that traveled from Arkansas through Bakersfield to just south of West Plains.
Those who have already applied for assistance can speak with a Federal Emergency Management Agency representative in person about the status of their application or get help uploading needed documents to complete the application.
In Howell County the DRC will be set up from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. In Ozark County, the DRC will maintain the same hours at the Bakersfield Schools campus, 1201 OO Highway.
Those who still need to apply for FEMA disaster assistance can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call toll-free 800-621-3362 or download the FEMA App.
Homeowners and renters affected by the March 14-15 disaster in Carter, Howell, Oregon, Ozark and Wright counties may be eligible for FEMA assistance that includes rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, home repair and other needs.
Applications may also be completed at the DRCs.
The Lair family invites all family and friends to join for a reunion at 11 a.m. June 28 at the Moody Community Building on E Highway.
A potluck meal will be served at noon.
Attendees are encouraged to bring pictures and memories to share.
