On Sunday, Feb. 16, cities throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky faced devastating floods. As of Feb. 22, 21 deaths and counting have been recorded as a result of the flooding and winter weather earlier this month. Many are also facing significant damage or loss to their homes. Amidst the devastation, many organizations are mobilizing to provide relief and support for the affected areas across Kentucky.
While many of these relief efforts have already taken place, there are still many ways to get involved.
One of the primary ways you can help is through monetary donations as well as donations of essential items.
The University of Kentucky is asking for donations of essential supplies such as non-perishable foods, paper goods, cleaning supplies and bottled water. They are kindly asking that clothing and household items be avoided.
There are two locations where donations may be dropped off.
Gatton Student Center
Student Government Association office on the second floor
160 Avenue of Champions
Lexington, KY 40508
Chandler Hospital
Pavilion A Information Desk
1000 S Limestone
Lexington, KY 40508
Additionally, the University of Kentucky is taking donations for their student fund, CRISIS program as well as their Storm Relief Fund. To donate to one of these funds or to find more information regarding donations, visit: https://philanthropy.uky.edu/kentuckyfloodrelief
Governor Andy Beshear has also established the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund “to assist those impacted by the floods and the severe weather system beginning February 15, 2025” according to the official website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. To donate you can visit: https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/stormrelief/
According to The Kentucky Lantern, “The Housing Development Alliance helps repair and rebuild homes in Eastern Kentucky.” The Housing Development Alliance is attempting to raise $50,000 for survivors and has raised a little over $5,500. To donate, visit: https://housing-development-alliance.networkforgood.com/projects/244584-help-us-build-more-than-ever-before?fbclid=IwY2xjawIiw_JleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHV5Xa8258VWi6gRdKYfatjdjqN87c5xxeRWchMDA9KCdgnu6KUj8jf_-nw_aem_1yg2E5ZnuwEnJXJkm5sp9w
Pike County Central High School is also running an Amazon wishlist. The wishlist states “We have received a request for an Amazon wish list to help those impacted by the recent flooding. This list includes items that can be used at temporary shelters as well as supplies that will be sent home with affected families as they begin recovery. Items are listed separately so multiple people can contribute by purchasing the same item or selecting several from the list. Any and all support is deeply appreciated. If you’d like to send items from the list—or anything else you feel could help—please mail them to: Pike County Central High School 100 Winners Circle Drive Pikeville, KY 41501 Thank you for your generosity and support during this difficult time!”
If you wish to provide donations from this list, you follow this link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1ZGA1S0ET2DDN?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwY2xjawIgj5RleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHW7-MfK51KzNnZq2-a693NP15kw2eQBeVugAWfXvofFHNY8sHPG1KaVgxg_aem_YelBDZLB9xED_4FsI8FIVw&tag=vuz0e-20
If you are interested in purchasing supplies for Hazard Businesses affected by the flood, you can visit:https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2RJ3G8NDXJRAG?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwY2xjawIhp1FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHc9jQUYQg23oAuJFPJU-GpERrPuh7PWg5se9hCSgeLUhzwA7B3DTv1GEdw_aem_W9OMzhEe8cwvh0vEETdCww
If you are interested in purchasing supplies for disaster recovery through HNDS&FT, based in Tennessee, you can visit: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LAYW1CG4VR6M?ref=cm_sw_sm_r_un_un_ndJvemRr4h2GQ&fbclid=IwY2xjawIhmoJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHd4QBNW3hgDWHH5IaSvq0YgMIKHqAc90PCFQF0zN1B9fwaj37hAA21sVtA_aem_Xs2AfFGRhqBgjQACMnEgQQ
If you are interested in volunteering to assist flood victims in affected areas, there are several opportunities to do so.
The Christian Appalachian Project has asked for both financial donations as well as volunteers. If you would like to donate, you can visit: https://www.christianapp.org/?form=donatetoday If you are interested in donating or volunteering, please email volunteermanagement@chrisapp.org
Feed Louisville has asked for volunteers to drive trucks and carry food supplies to Whiteburg. If you are interested, you can email volunteer@feedlouisville.org
To volunteer to clean flood-damaged businesses in Hazard, KY, visit this Google form to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjrnXpMem_0ySFOx1tb-Wtwa-wknDnm-MgjuffrtrRNJs7xg/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawIhl5xleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRkS-WTlWXrSOyN3HMEZ5x2YpeNsmOSVWgCkbjYbthE1RwhviABRtTNTgw_aem_rKgOG9VlinTufKQv1U7jYg
The devastating floods in Kentucky have left many communities in need, but through the dedication of relief organizations, volunteers and donors, recovery efforts are well underway. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Whether through monetary contributions, supply donations, or volunteering, every effort helps bring hope and relief to those affected. If you are willing and able, please consider supporting your Kentucky neighbors who are facing hardship.
Photo courtesy of Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky.
