Dearborn Firefighters, Kiwanis Help Father-Son Team Deliver Toys to Joplin

Julian Karustis has been working hard to ensure that the youngest victims of the Joplin tornado are not forgotten.

The 12-year-old was watching the news with his mother, Lisa Hoeft-Karustis, and father, Ken Karustis, a Dearborn firefighter, days after the May 22 tornado that ravaged the Missouri town. On TV, Julian saw an interview with a young boy about his age who lost everything in the storm.

That is when the sixth-grader and St. Clair Shores resident sprung into action and began contacting his classmates, neighbors and others to collect toys and books for children of all ages in Joplin.

"I would be pretty sad if all of sudden all of my stuff was gone in a matter of seconds," said Karustis.

In a matter of days the toys, books and sports items began flowing in for those in Joplin. Brand new baseball mitts, a toy kitchen set and a play castle are just a sampling of some of the hundreds of items that have filled the family garage.

On Thursday, Julian and Ken took a rental truck full of toys and stuffed animals on the 860-mile drive to Joplin. Donations from Dearborn firefighters, Dearborn Kiwanis and proceeds from collection jars at Dearborn's the , Emily's Delicatessen and Sabby's Lounge in St. Clair Shores and Gusoline Alley in Royal Oak will cover the gas for the trip.

They are expected to take two days to drive to the YMCA in Joplin, where they will deliver the special items for distribution.

Julian's mother Lisa Hoeft-Karustis said when they contacted the YMCA, they said no one was donating items for children.

"(The response) has been overwhelming," Lisa said. "So many people were very generous."

As Julian looked over the garage full of donated items, the youngster was also moved.

"It is a feeling I can't describe," he said.

Julian is no longer collecting items, but those who want to donate to the recovery efforts in Joplin can visit www.redcross.org.