There is still much to be done to clean up following the recent tornadoes in Eastern Kentucky.
It’s been more than two weeks since powerful tornadoes ripped through small communities in Indiana and Kentucky. Hand in Hand staff and volunteers have been working non-stop to support many of the small communities in Eastern Kentucky that didn’t get the attention that areas near larger cities received.
Scenes of devastation are still prevalent in eastern Kentucky near Auxier.
Penske Truck Rental generously donated the use of a large box truck to deliver the second round of food, water and relief supplies last Tuesday.
Our primary focus has been to provide food, water, personal care items and cleaning supplies to families affected by the tornado in the following areas: Riceville, Denver, Banner, Thelma, Rockhouse, Tomahawk and West Van Lear communities.
To date we have provided assistance to the following agencies for disaster relief:
Middle Fork Emergency shelter
Oscar Center
Magoffin County Community Center
New Life Worship Center
Our thanks to Penske for donating use of a truck for donated supplies.
In the first week following the storms, we provided assistance to more than 300 people in communities who weren’t receiving assistance. The following week, we delivered food boxes and cleaning supplies to four shelters and relief centers. We also traveled around many of the small communities and provided hot meals to victims and volunteers.
In the last two weeks, nine local volunteers were joined by 47 volunteers from across the state and provided meal prep, meal delivery and support of the relief efforts. Four of the local volunteers are veterans who have devoted long hours unloading trucks, giving out food and driving requested items to families in need of assistance. Prestonsburg Job Corps has also devoted time to help us with relief efforts. We’ve had local students help unload trucks, organize our supplies and load items for delivery.
With the help of volunteers, we loaded the Penske truck and sent it to Eastern Kentucky with supplies.
Continuing our efforts, Hand in Hand has scheduled three opportunities for groups to go to Eastern Kentucky to serve; April 22-25, April 25-28 (previously scheduled) and May 9-12. If you wish join any of these trips, please contact Hand in Hand’s Louisville office at 502.459.9930 or e-mail maryhelen@myhandinhand.org.
We are still collecting items for the relief effort and are specifically requesting donations of Gatorade and school supplies.
Allyson and James Williams, Co-Directors of the Auxier Center, have been asked to join the FEMA committee setting up in Prestonsburg. As relief efforts continue, Hand in Hand is now working on a long-term plan to address the needs not only of those affected by the tornadoes, but to continue our mission of helping those in need in Appalachia.
