More than $280,000 raised to help rebuild the Joplin Mosque - KOAM TV 7

More than $280,000 raised to help rebuild the Joplin Mosque

Updated August 10, 2012:  As of this morning The Islamic Center of Joplin has raised more than $280,000 to help rebuild their mosque following a fire earlier this week.

Updated August 8, 2012:  Joplin churches are holding a special ceremony at sunset for members of the Islamic Center of Joplin which was destroyed in a fire at the beginning of the week.

The Islamic Center's donation page says it has already raised more than $80,000 to rebuild the mosque.

Federal officials have been working to determine whether the fire was arson, but said today, it is unclear when they will know if the fire was set.

Posted August 7, 2012:  The Joplin community proves once again that they can come together to lend a hand in the face of destruction.  The aftermath of Monday's mosque fire is no different.

Less than 48 hours after the Islamic Center of Joplin burned to the ground church members are already thinking of rebuilding.

"It was not just a mosque, it was a community center too," says Faiqa Camran, a member of the Islamic Society of Joplin.  "We had the Sunday School here for the kids.  We had soccer games and cricket games, and kids, they play in the summer time."

From pot lucks to interfaith dinners, the site served the Islamic community since 2007.

For the members it is still hard to believe it is gone.

"You think of how you'll react when you see other stories, but when it happens to you're actually in it, it is like time slows down, but any positive story and anyone reaching out really makes a difference," says Hina Qidwai, another member of the Islamic Society of Joplin.

But reaching out is exactly what the local community is trying to do, from Facebook posts to anonymous donations.

Ashley Carter is organizing a wider fundraiser for the mosque from her dorm at Ozark Christian College in Joplin.

"It just kind of sky rocketed into this rally, this rally of just sort of promoting love within the community, of uniting each other," Carter says.

The event called Neighbors will be held on August 25 at Landreth Park and will include live bands, food and promoting community togetherness.

"We're going to be raising money for the community that was effected, as of their pressing needs is going to be going directly to them," says Carter.

The rally isn't the only way concerned citizens can help.

The Islamic Center of Joplin is now accepting donations to their Post Office Box in Joplin and also at the Commerce Bank on North Main in Joplin.