Kentucky Strong: How To Help Western KY

December 14, 2021

Kentucky recently experienced the worst tornado damage in the state’s history, affecting multiple counties and resulting in mass destruction and devastation. Gov. Andy Beshear has urged people to come together to help in an effort many are calling Kentucky Strong.

“To the people of Western Kentucky, we’re not going anywhere,” Gov. Beshear said. “We’re going to be with you today. We’re going to be with you tomorrow and we’re going to be there with you to rebuild.”

He created a statewide relief effort called “Team Western Kentucky Relief Fund” and all donations will go directly to Kentucky tornado victims with no administrative fees taken out.

At the state level, Gov. Beshear also said that several Kentucky State Parks in the affected areas will need volunteers to help with washing dishes and clothes. The contact is Andy Kasitz of Kentucky State Parks.

Although Lexington was not affected by these storms, there are multiple efforts in the city and around Dunbar to support those impacted by this tragedy.

According to multiple sources, these are some things that are most needed in the affected areas.

Priority Needs

The top priority for donations includes generators, extension cords, gas cans, flashlights, and batteries.

Food and Water

The most need is for snack foods rather than canned food or anything that needs to be cooked. Helpful food items include loaves of bread, peanut butter, crackers, pop-tarts, fresh fruit, pudding cups, jello cups, applesauce cups, breakfast bars, lemonade mix, baby formula, and multipack chips. There is also a need for disposable utensils, plates, cups, and napkins. Jugs of water are preferred rather than bottled water.

Toiletries

Because mobile showers are available at certain sites, towels, washcloths, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorants, lotions, and toilet paper are requested. There is also a need for heavy-duty trash bags, dish soap, and laundry detergent.

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Donation Drop-off Locations

  • Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, c/o Melanie Burch, 1600 Man o’ War Blvd, (859) 381-3546
  • “Operation Love Kentucky” at Lafayette Church of the Nazarene, 264 Lafayette Parkway, (859) 278-7213
  • Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary School, 605 Hill N’ Dale Road, (859) 277-3030
  • Starbucks-Boston Road, 3809 Dylan Place, (859) 296-0162
  • Beaumont Middle School, c/o Anna Sullinger, 2080 Georgian Way, (859) 381-3094
  • First Presbyterian, c/o Andrew Perkins, 171 Market Street, (859) 252-1919
  • Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, “Western Kentucky Toy Drive,” 150 N. Limestone #265,  which is accepting new, unwrapped toys, books, and electronics in their original packaging, as well as $25 Visa/Mastercard gift cards. Drop-offs are accepted 24 hours a day through Dec. 18.

Restaurant Donations

  • Crank and Boom has pre-orders open for Kentucky Strong Ice Cream. The pints can be picked up from  Dec. 31 -Jan. 6 at the Clays Mill location.
  • Bourbon and Toulouse, 829 Euclid Ave., will be donating 100% of all sales on Thursday, Dec. 16.
  • Condado Tacos at the Summit will be donating 10% of all sales on Dec. 14 to the American Red Cross (859) 368-7711
  • Fazoli’s will give Kentucky Blood Center donors a voucher redeemable for a free small spaghetti with meat sauce or marinara through Dec. 18. This promotion is for the Andover or Beaumont blood center locations only.
  • The Kentucky Restaurant Association set up a GoFundMe to collect donations to distribute to restaurants affected by the storms.

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Update Dec. 15: Organizations no longer need clothing items for donation.