Local groups aid in hurricane relief

Missouri State Water Patrol

The Water Patrol Sept. 2 deployed four teams of two officers with flat-bottomed boats to affected areas where they will aid in rescue operations and law enforcement. The officers will return after about a week, and replacements will be equipped and deployed. The Water Patrol will continue sending shifts of officers for at least a month.

Tulane University

Seven medical students and faculty from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans evacuated to Springfield and are gathering supplies for those who remain in the affected areas of Louisiana. The group has gathered donations, including a 53-foot tractor trailer truck and driver to transport supplies.

Donations are being accepted at the Battlefield Mall parking lot at the intersection of Glenstone Avenue and Battlefield Road. Click here to e-mail the group.

The Skinny Improv

A comedy benefit show presented by The Skinny Improv will be at 2 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut. Admission for the two-hour show is free, but donations are accepted. Area restaurants have agreed to donate a percentage of their lunch receipts for that day as well.

Mostly Memories

Cash and supply donations will be collected at the “Up All Nite” Carnival for Katrina hosted by Mostly Memories. The carnival, beginning at 5 p.m. Sept. 9, will be at 601 E. South St. in Ozark. Cake walks, soda walks, face-painting, games and food will last through the night until Saturday afternoon.

Volunteers are needed. Contact Tricia Derges at (417) 581-6010.