Local Malls Show Love for Joplin Kids

Locals who want to support young victims of the tornado that devastated Joplin, MO, Sunday, can do so at the West County Center in Des Peres.

West County Center is one of five St. Louis area malls collecting basic necessities such as clothing, toiletries and blankets for kids affected by the tornado. Bins will be set up at customer service locations in the malls through Monday, and items will be distributed by local service agencies to kids in Joplin next week.

The St. Louis-wide drive is being coordinating by CBL Associates Properties, which owns and operates the Northpark Mall in Joplin.

“Seeing the complete devastation in Joplin, we want to reach out to do what we can to support the community in their time of need,” said Sean Phillips, regional marketing director for CBL St. Louis, in a statement. “By providing clothing, personal care and toys for children, we hope that our efforts will bring comfort to the smallest victims of the storm.”

Shoppers can donate the following items at West County Center, Chesterfield Mall, Mid Rivers Mall, South County Center and St. Clair Square:

• New and gently-used clothing and shoes (Ages Birth – 17)
• New and gently-used toys
• New and gently-used books, coloring books and crayons
• Diapers and Wipes
• Soap and Shampoo
• Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
• Baby Food and Formula
• Bottles and Sippy Cups
• Blankets, pillows and sheets

Below is a list of drop-off locations and links to the malls' websites that include a complete list of accepted items.

• West County Center – Lower Level, Near Nordstrom, 314-288-2020
• Chesterfield Mall – Lower Level, Center Court, 636-532-4004
• Mid Rivers Mall – Upper Level, JCPenney Wing, 636-970-2610
• St. Clair Square – Center Court, 618-632-7567
• South County Center – Lower Level, Sears Wing, 314-892-5203