As Western Kentucky begins the process of recovering from the worst tornado event in the state’s history, many people are looking for ways to help. While many are eager to donate goods, in some cases there are other more beneficial ways of helping those in need. Here’s our latest list of how you can be #KentuckyStrong and help with recovery efforts.
If your organization is not listed but wants to be, contact us here with details on how people can help.
Most organizations are encouraging people wanting to assist to do so through the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund created by Gov. Andy Beshear. The funds will go directly to those on the ground and the efforts to rebuild the communities in Western Kentucky.
Funds established for monetary donations
- In Dawson Springs, officials say they’ve had so many donations that they don’t have anywhere to put them, so they asked for a temporary pause on the donation of goods.
They are suggesting a contribution to the American Red Cross and/or the Governor’s Tornado Relief Fund here.
A fund has also been established for the relief effort at Independence Bank and Planters Bank. Donations will be used to assist those who’ve lost homes and incurred damage as a result of the tornado. - The Kentucky Agriculture Relief Fund is a cash donation portal managed by the Kentucky Farm Bureau Education Foundation. Funds collected will be administered through a grant process. The donations will be used to support farmers and agribusinesses in the affected areas.
Donations can be made to the Kentucky Agriculture Relief Fund can at gofundme.com/KyAgReliefFund. - A Fundraiser for The Salvation Army Western KY Disaster Relief has been set up. Donate here.
- United Way has established a fund that can be accessed here, where 100% of tornado fund donations received will support recovery efforts.
Housing assistance
- Kentucky State Parks in the area are now open to host families who need housing for at least two weeks. Volunteers who are willing to assist state parks staff housing distressed guests should contact Kentucky State Parks Division Director Andy Kasitz at [email protected].
Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center (WKRBC) donation opportunities:
- Tuesday, Dec. 14th
Owensboro Center — 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Thruston Fire Department — 4-8 p.m.
Hopkinsville Center — 10 a.m.-7 p.m. - Wednesday, Dec. 15th
Owensboro Center — 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
TTMA (Employee only) — 3-9 p.m.
Hopkinsville Center — 12-4 p.m.
Herndon — 5-8 p.m. - Thursday, Dec. 16th
Owensboro Center 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sorgho Fire Department — 4-8 p.m.
Hopkinsville Center — 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Hillcrest Baptist Hopkinsville — 3-7 p.m. - Friday, Dec 17th
Owensboro Center — 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Limestone Bank Beaver Dam — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. - Tuesday, Dec. 28
Western State Hospital — 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
From Kentucky State Police
- Kentucky State Police, Post 1 Dispatch is receiving an overwhelming number of calls from citizens wishing to help. Those wishing to volunteer are asked to call 270-331-1979. Those wishing to offer donations are asked to call 270-297-7772 or 270- 559-5687. Please reserve Kentucky State Police, Post 1 phone lines and 911 lines for those needing assistance.
From Daviess County Emergency Management Agency
- Any individual or organization wishing to volunteer to assist the tornado impacted communities in KY should contact the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) at 502-607-6602 or 6603. Everyone must register with the state and be directed on where to be deployed.
- Individuals requesting to volunteer to assist with storm damaged communities should be referred to redcross.org and select volunteer. They will be directed to sign up as Event Based Volunteer (EBV) to allow coordination of skills, schedules and needs.
From Kentucky Emergency Management
- The best way to help the survivors of the tornadoes in western and southern Kentucky is to make a donation to the Kentucky fund. Donate here.
From Owensboro Public Schools and Daviess County Public Schools
- OPS and DCPS will be collecting monetary donations in the form of cash or Walmart gift cards that will be donated directly to the Family Resource Youth Service Centers of school districts that were impacted by the tornadoes
Schools will be collecting donations throughout the week and money will be donated to individual school districts to assist with the families of their students.
Local places to donate goods or attend fundraisers
- Green River Distilling Co. (10 Distillery Road) will serve as a drop-off point to donate supplies.
- The Daviess County Clerk’s Office (212 St. Ann Street) is accepting donations during business hours.
- Friday After 5 will present a free concert featuring Tommy Marsh and Tommy Stillwell along with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Volunteers will be assisting guests with ways to donate to Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund and United Way of Kentucky (100% of donations will go to relief efforts).
- This Saturday, AMVET Post 119 is hosting a benefit at 12 p.m. where they are accepting donations and holding an auction.
Other local organizations have already held drives or donations to assist with tornado relief, including AMR Owensboro, Pure Barre, Niko’s Bakery, Haley McGinnis Funeral Home, Windy Hollow Restaurant, M.porium, Jackie Blue Handmade, Iron Jungle Fitness, and Keller Williams.
