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| Residence Inn Joplin// (c) 2011 John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts |
John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts has opened the doors of its Joplin, M.O. properties to families whose homes have been devastated by the deadly EF-5 tornado of Sunday evening. The 114-suite Residence Inn Joplin and 262-room Holiday Inn Joplin Convention Center and Spa are housing hundreds of affected families as well as disaster response teams. All hotels in Joplin, representing approximately 2100 combined rooms, are helping to provide food, shelter, and water to families who lost their homes in the disaster.
The Residence Inn and Holiday Inn, both part of the same hospitality complex, are serving as the command center for several disaster relief efforts. Mercy St. John’s Regional Medical Center has set up individual and group grief counseling in the Holiday Inn’s 35000-square foot ballroom. Joplin-based Zimmer Radio has provided a mobile IT station in the hospitality complex’s parking lot, allowing residents to email their loved ones.
Jacquie Dowdy, CEO of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, has also announced a program that allows company associates to designate a portion of their pay to contribute to a relief fund for staff and their families affected by the Joplin tornado.
“Our thousands of associates nationwide are eager to help our family in Joplin and through John Q. Hammons’ ‘Operation Rebuild Life in Joplin,’ we’re helping to make that happen immediately,” said Dowdy. “Even one hour’s pay can make a difference. Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Joplin.”
For more information on relief efforts, contact the Holiday Inn at 417-782-1000, or the Residence Inn at 417-782-0908, or visit www.facebook.com/joplinmo.