JOPLIN, Mo. — As the company's dealership barely escaped severe damage, CarHop is broadening its efforts to serve customers in Joplin, Mo., site of nation's deadliest single tornado since the National Weather Service started keeping records in 1950.

Along with helping customers in Joplin rebuild their lives by replacing vehicles damaged in the disaster, CarHop is donating $5,000 to the American Red Cross to aid in relief efforts.

"With all that has happened here in Joplin, our highest priority is ensuring that our customers are taken care of," stated the store manager Jared Harnar.

"In a time like this, the last thing a person should need to worry about is their vehicle. We just hope our efforts can ease that burden a bit," Harnar continued.

CarHop reiterated that although its buy-here, pay-here store that opened in 2008 narrowly avoided damage, numerous customers and employees were affected by the twister that hit on May 22.

"The Joplin community is really coming together, which is especially important in times like these," district manager Jeff Hofer highlighted.

"We want to do everything we can to focus even more on helping our customers when they need it the most," Hofer added.

For CarHop customers in need of assistance, they can call the Joplin location at (417) 623-0828 or visit www.carhop.com.