MAYFIELD, Ky. — A devastating tornado has left dozens of Kentuckians dead and caused untold damage to the western part of the state.
Gov. Andy Beshear has activities the Kentucky National Guard to assist with searching for survivors and President Joe Biden has direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist in Mayfield, Bowling Green and surrounding areas.
But there are also opportunities for those Kentuckians who were not harmed by the storms to help their neighbors by donating items or money.
Donation locations
The Johnson Bar in Paducah is collecting clothes and items to help first responders on the ground in the region. Felix E. Martin, Jr. Hall in Greenville, the former National Guard Armory in Henderson, and Paducah Shooters Supply are collecting food and personal hygiene items.
The Mayfield Police Department is collecting items at the Northside Baptist Church. They’re asking for coats, cleaning supplies and Christmas gifts.
In Louisville, donations are being collected at 1011 Carlisle Ave, according to the Hood to the Holler.
Louisville Corrections FOP Lodge 77 is collecting items at Metro Corrections in downtown Louisville. The items will be delivered Monday. Louisville lawn service company Zeppa’s is also planning to deliver relief items. They’re collecting through Wednesday.
The Kentucky Education Development Corporation is collecting toys and items to help tornado victims at its locations in Lexington and Ashland. They plan to deliver the items on Monday, Dec. 20.
Lexington Brokers and Realtors Association and Wildcat Moving have teamed up to collect relief items and deliver them to western Kentucky.
The Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Service is collecting items at their location in Alexandria. They’re asking for water, blankets, socks, and cleaning wipes.
Where to give money
Gov. Beshear and his team established the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the tornados and the severe weather system.
The Western Kentucky Red Cross has set up an online fundraiser through Facebook, allowing people to donate to its efforts to shelter, feed and provide emotional support for those suffering from the effects of the tornado.
Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief is raising money to assist in its efforts in western Kentucky to feed the displaced and clean up after the storm.
Students from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine have set up a GoFundMe to help “local organizations that are providing aid to those displaced and in need of supplies.”
Convoy of Hope, the United Way of Kentucky and the Mayfield Community Foundation are also collecting donations for disaster relief. The Mayfield/Graves County United Way has also set up a GoFundMe.
Lexington-based clothing company Kentucky Branded is selling a “Pray for Kentucky” T-shirt for $20 with “ the net proceeds from the sales” going to western Kentucky communities. Shop Local Kentucky is a “Kentucky Strong” shirt that will also see net proceeds go to western Kentucky areas in need.
