KOAM TV 7 Joplin and PittsburgHome Depot temporary store now open in Joplin

Joplin's Home Depot opened it's new 60,000 square foot temporary store on Monday.

The original store was destroyed by the tornado.  The temporary store will focus on stocking items needed for recovery and rebuilding.

The company says it wants residents to know it's here to stay.

"Opening this temporary Home Depot location is really about the company putting its stake in the ground here in Joplin," says Home Depot spokesman Craig Fishel.  "We want customers to know we're not going anywhere and we are committed to helping this community rebuild."

"I think it sends a loud message to everybody," says district manager Carmelo Scalone.  "You get knocked down, you get back up again.  We want to be apart of this community, we're not going anywhere."

Almost 200 volunteers from Home Depot have flown into Joplin to help with recovery efforts.