The Henkle’s history with the community

Last week local communities got together to enjoy the first ever “Car-nivore cookout” an all day festival featuring car shows, grill-offs, and booths hosted by Henkle’s Ace Hardware along with the help of the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Children’s Miracle Network. John and Cris Henkle have a long history of giving to the community especially in times of distress, and that history started with their own time of distress.

On December 31st, 2007 their son Colton fell into the icy water of their swimming pool. The Henkles rushed him off to the hospital where doctors said he only had a 10% chance to live. But the Henkles didn’t give up, and despite all odds Colton survived without any long-term complications.

While Cris and John were tending to their family the Henkle’s Ace Hardware store was left without a captain. Under these circumstances most businesses might not survive, but the Henkle’s employees stepped up to the plate and kept the store running.

“Everyone did what we needed to do to take care of the store so John and Cris could handle the family issues,” said employee Clay Arft. “We came in early, worked late, changed schedules – no questions asked.”

But, it wasn’t just Henkle’s employees who offered assistance. The Joplin community as a whole pitched in. Members of the community started a fund for the Henkles, and the local church took up collection to help pay for medical expenses.

Since then John and Cris Henkle have always been compelled to give back to the community in the same way the community gave to them. When the EF-5 tornado struck Joplin in 2011 the Henkles were there. Cris helped with search and rescue while her Ace store served saws and power equipment to help clean up efforts.

The Henkle’s Ace Hardware store is located at 2934 McClelland Blvd, Joplin, MO 64804 and at 1201 S Madison Street, Webb City, MO 64870. You can also stop in and give a big warm hello to the Hankle family!