JOPLIN, Mo. – All four credit unions in this city have been damaged by the tornado here that killed at least 100 people, with the damage to one CU described as “severe.”
Affected have been District 7 Highway CU, Great Plains FCU, Joplin Metro CU and Postal FCU, according to the Missouri Credit Union Association, which confirmed that information has been difficult to ascertain due to communication problems and other issues.
But according to the MCUA, Postal FCU’s office is severely damaged and closed, with windows and doors blown out and no power. Joplin Metro reported in with minor damage to the credit union’s two locations; offices are closed without computer access and security and is running on generators. Great Plains’ building suffered enough damage to force it to close the CU. And while District 7 Highway CU was fortunate to escape with only minimal damage, it remains without power or telephone service.
No estimates have been made for when the credit unions will reopen. The Missouri National Guard has closed the Joplin area to traffic while it continues its search for storm victims.
MCUA President Mike Beall told Credit Union Journal the league has not received any reports that either credit union employees or members had lost their lives. However, a number of employees and members lost their homes. “One of the first things the league will work on is getting assistance to those whose homes were destroyed.”
The National Credit Union Foundation activated CUAid at the request of the league. MCUA has made a donation of $10,000 to CUAid and contributions from credit unions brought the total to more than $40,000 in just a few hours yesterday. MCUA also made a $5,000 contribution to the American Red Cross for Missouri tornado victims.
Credit unions can donate to help the Joplin CUs at
